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DATE DUE
MY ^ 1995
DEMCO, INC. 38-2931
The Dead Sea Scrolls Translated
FLORENTINO GARCIA MARTINEZ
The Dead Sea Scrolls Translated
The Qumran Texts in English
Wilfred G. E. Watson Translator
E. Jf. Brill Leiden New York Cologne
' 6 8
Cover illustration: liQTemple Scroll1, cols 15-16 (translation on pages 156-157)
Copyright Bruce and Kenneth Zuckerman, West Semitic Research
Rolling Hills Estates, California, USA
Original title: Textos de Qumran
Copyright © 1992 by Editorial Trotta SA, Madrid, Spain
English Edition (with corrections and additions)
Copyright © 1994 by E. J. Brill, Leiden, the Netherlands
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, translated, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, me-
chanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission
from the publisher.
*■-7
Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use is granted by E.J. Brill
provided that the appropriate fees are paid directly to Copyright Clearance Center,
222 Rosewood Drive, Suite 910, Danvers ma, 01923, USA. Fees are subject to change.
Printed in the Netherlands
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Dead Sea scrolls. English
The Dead Sea scrolls translated: the Qumran texts in English /
by Florentino Garcia Martinez,
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 9004100482 (pbk.). -ISBN 9004 10088 1 (cloth)
1 Garcia Martinez. Florentino 11 Title.
BM487.A3 1994
296. i’55-dc20
94-17429 CIP
Die Deutsche Bibliothek-ciP-Einheitsaufname
The Dead Sea scrolls translated : The Qumran texts in English /
by Florentino Garcia Martinez. -Leiden ; New York ; Koln : Brill, 1994
isbn 90-04-10088-1 Gewebe isbn 90-04-10048-2 kart.
ne: Garcia Martinez, Florentino [Bearb.]
wg: I2;i3/522i dbn: 94.090756.9 /wt 94.04.14
Contents
VI
CONTENTS
PREFACE TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION xix
&
TRANSLATOR’S NOTE xxii
foreword xxiii
INTRODUCTION XXXt
1 The Dead Sea Scrolls xxxii
II History of discovery and publication xxxvi
t 1947-1956: The First Manuscripts xxxvi
2 1949-1955: Excavation and publication of Cave 1 xxxvii
3 1951-1962: Excavation of Khirbet Qumran and the ‘Small Caves’ xxxviii
4 1952: Cave 4 xlii
5 1956-1977: Cave 11 xliii
hi The dispute over authenticity and antiquity xlv
iv A sectarian library xlix
v Identity and origins of the Qumran Community lii
vi History of the Qumran Community Iv
vii Further reading Ivii
NOTES TO THE INTRODUCTION lix
RULES 1
1 The Rule of the Community 3
a The Cave 1 Copy 3
lQRule of the Community (lQS) 3
b The Cave 4 Copies 20
4QRule of the Community" (4Q255 [4Qpaps"]) 20
4QRule of the Community* (4Q256 [4QS*]) 20
4QRule of the Community^ (4Q257 [4Qpaps‘ J) 21
4QRule of the Community^ (4Q258 Uqs^]) 22
4QRule of the Community’’ (4Q259 [ 4QS '"]) 26
4QRule of the Community* (4Q260 j 4QsQ) 29
4QRule of the Community71 (4Q261 [4QS^]) 30
4QRule of the Community* (4Q262 [4QS *]) 31
4QRule of the Community' (4Q263 [4QS ']) 31
4QRule of the Community7 (4Q264 [4QS7]) 31
C Copies from other caves 32
5QRule of the Community (5Q1 1 [5QS]) 32
CONTENTS
2 The Damascus Document 33
a Copies from the Genizah 33
Damascus Document" (cd-a) 33
Damascus Document* (cd-b) 43
B Copies from Cave 4 47
4QDamascus Document" (4Q266 [4QD"]) 47
4QDamascus Document* (4Q267 [4QD*]) 48
4QDamascus Document (4Q268 [4QD"]) 57
4QDamascus Document1* (4Q269 [4QD'*]) 60
4QDamascus Document'’ (4Q270 [4QD<’]) 62
4QDamascus Document^ (4Q271 [ 4Qtyj) 67
4QDamascus Document^ (4Q272 [4Q1/]) 69
4QDamascus Document* (4Q273 [4QD*]) 70
c Copies which come from other caves 70
5QDamascus Document (SQ512 [5QD]) 70
6QDamascus Document (6Q15 [6qd]) 71
3 Fragments of other Rules 72
4QSerek Damascus Rule (4Q265 [4QSD]) 72
5QRule (5Q 13) 73
HALAKHIC TEXTS 75
1 Flalakhic Letter (4QMMT) 77
A Composite text 77
B Translation of the individual copies 79
4QHalakhic Letter" (4Q394 [4QMMT"]) 79
4QHalakhic Letter* (4Q395 [4QMMT*]) 81
4QHalakhic Letter" (4Q396 [4Q.mmt‘ |) 81
4QHalakhic Letter'* (4Q397 [4QMMT'*]) 83
4QHalakhic Letter" (4Q398 [4QpapMMT"]) 84
4QHalakhic Lette/(4Q399 [4QMMT-*]) 85
2 Other halakhic texts 86
2Qjuridical text (2Q25) 86
4QOrdinances" (4Q159 [4QOrd"]) 86
4QHalakhah (4Q251 [4QHalakhah"]) 87
4QPurification rules A (4Q274 [4QTohorot a]) 88
Vlll
CONTENTS
4QPurification rules b (4Q275 [4QTohorot b]) 8g
4QPurification rules R* (4Q276 [4QTohorot b*]) 8g
4QPurification rules Bc (4Q277 [4QTohorot b'J) 8g
4QPurification rules c (4Q278 [4QTohorot c]) go
4QPurification rules d (?) (4Q279 ? [4QLeqet]) go
4QDecrees (4Q477) go
4QOrdinances* (4Q513 [4QOrd*]) gi
4QOrdinances<' (4Q5 14 Iq.QOrd']?) gi
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT
1 The War Scroll 95
A The Cave 1 copy 95
lQWar Scroll (iqm [+1Q33]) 95
b The Cave 4 copies 115
4QWar Scroll" (4Q491 [ 4Q vCJ) 115
4QWar Scroll* (4Q492 [4QM*]) 120
4QWar Scroll' (4Q493 [4QM']) 120
4QWar Scroll^ (4Q494 [4QM</]) 121
4QWar Scroll' (4Q495 [4QM']) 121
4QWar Scroll* (4Q496 [qQpaps/]) 121
c Texts connected with the War Scroll 123
4QWar ScrolF (4Q285 [ 4Q ?]) 123
tiQBlessings (iiQi4[iiQBer]) 124
4Q War Scroll* (4Q471) 124
4Q Words of Michael (4Q259) 123
2 The Rule of the Congregation 126
tQRule of the Congregation (iQ28a [tQSa]) 126
3 Description of the New Jerusalem 729
2QNew Jerusalem (2Q24 [2QNJ ar]) 729
4QNew Jerusalem" (4Q554 [4QNJ" ar]) 729
4QNew Jerusalem* (4Q555 [4QNJ* ar]) 131
5QNew Jerusalem (5Q15 [5QNJ ar]) 131
nQNew Jerusalem (11Q18 [11QNJ ar]) 133
CONTENTS
IX
4 Other texts 136
4QFlorilegium (4Q174 [4Qf'lorilegium]) 136
4QTestimonia (4Q175 [4QTest]) 137
4QAramaic Apocalypse (4Q246) 138
4QFour Kingdoms" (4Q552) 138
4QFour Kingdoms1'’ (4Q553) 139
liQMelchisedech (11Q13 [1 lQMelch]) 139
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE 141
1 Targums 143
a Targum of Leviticus 143
4QTargum of Leviticus (4Q156 [4QtgLev]) 143
B Targum of Job 143
4QTargum of Job (4Q157 [4QtgJob]) 143
1 tQTargum of Job (1 1Q10 [1 lQtgJobj) 143
2 The Temple Scroll 134
tiQTemple Scroll" (11Q19 [tiQTemple"]) 134
1 tQTemple Scroll* (1 1Q20 [1 lQTemple*]) 179
3 Peshanm 183
A Commentaries on Isaiah 183
3Qlsaiah Pesher (3Q4 [3QpIs]) 183
4Qlsaiah Pesher" (4Q161 [4QpIs"]) 183
4Qlsaiah Pesher* (4Q162 (4QpIs*]) 186
4Qlsaiah Pesher1 (4Q 163 [4QpIs‘r]) 187
4Qlsaiah Pesher1* (4Q164 I^QpIs1*]) 190
4Qlsaiah Pesherf (4Q165 |4QpIs‘’]) 191
B Commentaries on Hosea 191
4QHosea Pesher" (4Q166 [4QpHos“]) 191
4QlIosea Pesher* (4Q167 [4QpHos*]) 192
C Commentaries on Micah 193
tQMicah Pesher (iq 14 [tQpMic]) 193
4QMicah Pesher (4Q168 [4QpMic(?)]) 194
d Commentary on Nahum 193
4QNahum Pesher (4Q169 [4QpNah]) 193
E Commentary on Habakkuk 197
tQHabakkuk Pesher (tQpHab]) 197
X
CONTENTS
F Commentaries on Zephaniah 202
lQZephaniah Pesher (1Q15 [lQpZeph]) 202
4QZephaniah Pesher (4Q170 [4QpZeph]) 203
G Commentary on Malachi 203
5QMalachi Pesher (5Q10 [5QpMal(?)]) 203
H Commentaries on the Psalms 203
4QPsalms Pesher" (4Q171 [4QpPs"]) 203
lQPsalms Pesher (4Q 16 [lQpPs]) 206
4QPsalms Pesher* (4Q173 [4QpPs*]) 206
4 Other texts 208
4QTanhufnin (4Q176 [4QTanh]) 208
4QCatena (4Q177 [4QCatena“]) 209
4QAges of Creation (4Qi8o [4QAgesCreat]) 211
4QAges of Creation (4Q181 [4QAgesCreat]) 272
4QCatena* (4Q182 [4QCatena*) 213
4QHistorical Work (4Q183) 213
4QGenesis Pesher" (4Q252 [4QpGen") 213
4QGenesis Pesher* (4Q253 [4QpGen*) 215
4QGenesis Pesher' (4Q254 [4QpGen‘) 213
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE 277
i Paraphrase of the Pentateuch 219
A 4QReworked Pentateuch" (4Q158 [4QRP"]) 219
b 4QReworked Pentateuch*’" (4Q364-365 [4QRP*"]) 222
C Other texts 224
2QApocryphon of David(?) (2Q22 [2QapDavid?]) 224
4QExhortation based on the Flood (4Q370) 224
4QApocryphon of Joseph (4Q372 [4QapocrJoseph"]) 225
4QApocryphon of Joseph (4Q373 [4QapocrJoseph*]) 226
4QNarrative (4Q462) 226
6QGenesis (?) (6Q19) 227
4QWork with Place Names (4Q522) 227
6QDeuteronomy (?) (6Q20) 228
4QNarrative (4Q458) 228
4QBiblical Chronology (4Q559) 228
CONTENTS
2 Genesis Apocryphon 230
lQGenesis Apocryphon (1Q20 [lQapGen ar]) 230
lQGenesis Apocryphon (lQapGen ar) 230
3 Book of Jubilees 238
4Qjubileesa (4Q216 [4Qjub"]) 238
liQjubilees (11Q12 [nQjub]) 241
4Qjubileesc (4Q220 [ 4C4J ub‘ |) 242
4Qjubilees^ (4Q219 [4Qjub^]) 242
4QjubiIees^ (4Q221 [4Qjub^]) 243
3Qjubilees (3Q5 [3Cjub]) 244
2Qjubilees" (2Q19 [2Qjub"]) 244
4Qjubilees^ (4Q176, fragments 19-21 [4Qjub*]) 244
lQjubilees" (1Q17 [ iQjuba]) 245
lQjubilees* (1Q18 [ltjub*]) 245
2Qjubilees* (2Q20 1 2(jJ ub*]) 243
4QPseudo-Jubilees‘ (4Q227 (4QpsJub' |) 245
4 Books of Enoch 246 'y
4QEnoch" (4Q201 (4QEn" ar]) 246
4QEnoch* (4Q202 [4QEn* ar]) 248
4QEnoch' (4Q204 [4QEn‘ ar]) 250
4QEnoch<i (4Q205 [4QEn‘/ ar]) 234
4QEnoch<? (4Q206 [4QEn<' ar]) 256
4QEnocl/ (4Q207 [4QE1/ ar]) 258
4QEnocM (4Q212 [4QEn^ ar]) 238
5 The Book of Giants 26a/
iQBook of Giants" (1Q23 [lQEnGiants" ar]) 260
4QBook of Giants" (4Q203 [4QEnGiants" ar]) 260
4QBook of Giants* (4Q530 [4QEnGiants* ar]) 261
4QGiants‘ (4Q531 (4QEnGiants‘ ar]) 262
6QBook of Giants (6q8 [6QEnGiants ar]) 262
6 Book of Noah 263
lQNoah (1Q19 [lQNoah]) 263
4QElect of God (4Q534 [4QMess ar]) 263
xn
CONTENTS
4QAramaic N (4Q535) 263
4QAramaic c (4Q536) 264
7 Books of the Patriarchs 263
a Visions of Jacob 263
4QApocryphon of Jacob (4Q537 [4QAJa ar]) 263
b Aramaic Testament of Judah 263
3QTestament of Judah (?) (3Q7 [3QTJuda?]) 263
4QApocryphon of Judah (4Q538 [4QAJU ar]) 263
C Aramaic Testament of Joseph 266
4QApocryphon of Joseph (4Q539 [4QAJ0 ar]) 266
D Aramaic Testament of Levi 266
tQAramaic Levi (1Q21 [lQTLevi ar]) 266
4Q Aramaic Levi" (4Q213 lQTLevi" ar]) 266
4QAramaic Levi* (4Q214 [4QTLevi* ar]) 268
4QAaronic Text A = Testament of Levi' (?) 269
(4Q540 [4QAhA = 4QTLevi']) 269
4QAaronic Text A = Testament of Levi* (?) 269
(4Q541 [4QAhA = 4QTLevi* ?]) 269
4QTestament of Naphtali (4Q215 [4QTNaph]) 270
e Aramaic Testament of Qahat 277
4QTestament of Qahat (4Q542 [4QTQahat ar]) 271
f Visions of Amram 272
4QVisions of Amram" (4Q543 (4Qf Amram" ar]) 272
4QVisions of Amram* (4Q544 [4Q1 Amram* ar]) 273
4QVisions of Amram' (4Q545 [4(3' Amram' ar]) 274
4QVisions of Amram'’ (4Q547 [4Q‘ Amram'’ ar]) 274
4QVisions of Amran/ (4Q548 [4(3' Amram* ar]) 275
G Hur and Miriam 275
4QWork Mentioning Hur and Miriam (4Q549) 273
8 Pseudo-Moses 276
a Words of Moses 276
lQWords of Moses (1Q22 [iqDM]) 276
b Pseudo-Moses 277
lQLiturgy of the Three Tongues of Fire (1Q29) 277
4QApocryphon of Moses A (4Q374 [4QapocrMoses a]) 278
4QApocryphon of Moses b (4Q37S [4QapocrMoses B]) 278
4QLiturgy of the Three Tongues of Fire (4Q376) 279
CONTENTS
Xlll
4QPseudo-Moses* (?) (4Q387a) 279
4QPseudo-Moses‘ (4Q388 [4QpsMoses‘D 279
4QPseudo-Moses‘/ (4Q389 [4QpsMoses'/|) 280
C Pseudo-Moses Apocalypse 280
4QPseudo-Moses Apocalypse1, (4Q390 (4QpsMoses']) 280
d Other texts 281
2QApocryphon of Moses (?) (2Q2 1 [2QapMoses ?]) 281
9 Pseudo-Joshua 282
4QPsalms of Joshua" (4Q378 [4QPsJoshuaa]) 282
4QPsalms of Joshua* (4Q379 [4QPsJoshua*J) 283
10 Pseudo-Samuel 284
4QVision of Samuel (4Q160 [4QVisSam]) 284
6QApocryphon of Samuel-Kings (6Q9) 284
1 1 Pseudo-Jeremiah 285
4QApocryphon of Jeremiah c (4(2385!) [4QapocrJer c) 283
4QApocryphon of Jeremiah d (4Q387b [4QapocrJer d) 285
12 Pseudo-Ezekiel 286
4QPseudo-Ezekiela (4Q385 (4QpsEz"|) 286
13 Pseudo-Daniel 288
A— &
a Pseudo-Daniel 288
4QPseudo-Daniel" (4Q243 [4QpsDan“ ar]) 288
4QPseudo-Daniel* (4Q244 (4QpsDan* ar]) 288
4QPseudo-DanieE (4Q245 ^QpsDan11 ar]) 28g
B Prayer of Nabonidus 28g
4QPrayer of Nabonidus (4Q242 [4QPrNab ar]) 2 #9
c Daniel-Susannah (?) 28g
4QDaniel-Susannah (?) (4Q551) 28(4
14 Aramaic Proto-Esther 2gt
4Q550 297
4QProto-Esther" (4QPrEsthera ar]) 297
XIV
CONTENTS
4QProto-Esther* (4QPrEsther* ar]) 297
4QProto-Esther‘ (4QPrEsther‘ ar]) 291
4QProto-Esther</ (4QPrEsther‘/ ar]) 291
4QProto-Estherf (4QPrEstherf ar]) 292
4QProto-Esthe/ (?) (4QPrEsthe/ ar (?)]) 292
15 Tobit in Aramaic and Hebrew 293
4QTobita (4Q196 [4QToba ar]) 293
4QTobit* (4Q197 1 4Q,rob/’ ar]) 295
4QTobit‘ (4Q198 [4QTobf ar]) 297
4QTobitl/(4Qi99 [4QTob^ar]) 297
4QTobit‘> (4Q200 [4QTob‘ hebr]) 297
POETIC TEXTS 301
1 Apocryphal psalms 303
A Apocryphal psalms included in copies of the biblical psalter 303
4QPsalmsf (4Q88 [4qPs^]) 303
iiQPsalmsa (iiqs [iiqPs“]) 304
nQPsalms* (iiq6 [iiqPs*]) 310
b Independent collections of apocryphal psalms 311
4QNon-Canonical Psalms a (4Q380) 311
4QNon-Canonical Psalms B (4Q381) 312
2 The Hymns 31 7
lQHymns" (iQHodayotha [iqH"]) 31 7
lQHymns* (1Q35 [iqH*]) 361
4Q427 (4QHodayota [4QHa]) 362
4Q428 (4QHodayot4 [4QH*]) 367
4Q429 (4QHodayot‘ [4qH‘]) 367
4Q430 (4QHodayot^ [4QI I^j) 369
4Q431 (4Ql lodayot'' [4QII']) 370
3 Hymns against demons 371
A Songs of the Sage 377
4QSongs of the Sagea (4Q510 ^QShir"]) 377
4QSongs of the Sage* (4Q511 [4QShir*]) 377
B Psalms of exorcism 376
CONTENTS
XV
iiq Apocryphal Psalms'1 (iiq [liQPsAp"]) 376
C Incantations 376
4QAgainst Demons (4Q560) 378
4 Wisdom poems 37c)
4QWiles of the Wicked Woman (4Q184) J79
4QSapiential Work (4Q 185) 380
4QCryptic A: Words of the Sage to the Sons of Dawn (4Q298) 382
4QSapiential Work (4Q413) 382
4QSapiential Work \h (4Q416 [4QSap.Work a*]) 383
4QSapiential Work (4Q417 [4QSap.Work a']) 383
4QSapiential Work a" (4Q418 [4QSap.Work a"]) 388
4QSapiential Work b (4Q419 [4QSap.Work b]) 393
4QSapiential Work C (4Q424 [4QSap.Work c]) 3Q3
4QMessianic Apocalypse (4Q521) 3174
4QWisdom Text with Beatitudes (4Q525 [4QBeat]) 795
5 Other compositions J99
lQMysteries (1Q27 [lQMyst]) 399
4QMysteries‘‘ (4Q299 ^QMyst4]) 400
4Q\lysteries* (4Q300 [ 4QMy st*]) 400
4QMysteries‘ (4Q301 ^QMyst1]) 401
3QHymn(3Q6) 401
4QApocryphal Lamentations A (4Q179 [4QapocrLam a]) 401
4QLiturgy (4Q409) 402
4QBenediction (4Q500) 402
4QApocryphal Lamentations B (4Q501) 403 .
5QCurses (5Q14) 403
6QAllegory of the Vine (6q 11) 403
6QHymn(6Qi8) 404
8QHymn (8Q5) 404
nQHymns" (11Q15) 404
LITURGICAL TEXTS 403
1 Daily prayers 407
4QDaily Prayers'1 (4Q503 [4QPrQuot]) 407
XVI
CONTENTS
2 Festival Prayers 411
lQFestival Prayers (1Q34 [4QPrFetes]) 41 1
4QFestival Prayers" (4Q507 [4QPrFetes" ?]) 411
4QFestival Prayers* (4Q508 [4QPrFetes*]) 412
4QFestival Prayers^ (4Q509 ^QPrFetes^) 412
3 Words of the Luminaries 414
4QWords of the Luminaries" (4Q504 [4QDibHam"]) 414
4QWords of the Luminaries* (4Q505 [4QDibHam*]) 418
4Q Words of the Luminaries c (4Q506 [4QDibHam‘]) 418
4 Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice 419
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice" (4Q400 [4QShirShab"]) 419
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice* (4Q401 [4QShirShab*]) 420
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice^ (4Q402 [4QShirShab']) 420
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice^ (4Q403 [4QShirShab‘*j) 421
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice'’ (4Q404 |4QShirShab' |) 424
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice^ (4Q405 [4QShirShab/j) 426
tiQSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice (11Q17 [1 tQShirShab]) 430
5 Blessings and curses 432
tQRule of the Blessings (iQ28b [lQSb]) 432
4QBlessings / (4Q280 (4QBerako/j) 434
4QPurification Rules b" (4Q275 [4QTohorot b"]) 434
4QBlessings" (4Q286 [4QBerakot"]) 434
4QBlessings* (4Q287 [4QBerakot*]) 435
4QBless, Oh my Soul" (4Q434 [4QBarfki Napshi"]) 436
4QBless, Oh my Soul' (4Q436 (4QBar'ki Napshi']) 437
6QBenediction (6qi6) 437
6 Other texts 438
lQLiturgical Text ? (1Q30) 438
tQLiturgical Text ? (1Q31) 438
tQHymnic Compositions ? (1Q37) 438
lQFIymnic Compositions ? (1Q38) 438
tQHymnic Compositions ? (1Q39) 438
4QLiturgical Work (4Q392) 438
CONTENTS
XVII
4QGrace after Meals (4Q434a) 4jg
4QBaptismal Liturgy (4Q414) 4jg
4QRitual of Marriage (4Q502) 440
4QRitual of Purification (4Q5 12) 441
ASTRONOMICAL TEXTS, CALENDARS AND HOROSCOPES 443
1 Astronomical Enoch 445
4QAstronomical Enoch* (4Q209 [4QEnastr* ar]) 445
4QAstronomical Enoch' (4Q210 HqEnastr' ar]) 445
4Q Astronomical Enoch'7 (4Q2 11 [4QEnastr‘7 ar]) 449
2 Calendars and priestly rotas 451
4QPhases of the Moon (4Q317 [4QAstrCrypt]) 451
4QBrontologion (4Q318 [4QBr ar]) 457
4QCalendrical Document A (4Q320 [4QCalendrical Doc a]) 452
4QCalendrical Document b" (4Q321 [4QCalendrical Doc b"]) 454
4QCalendrical Document e* (4Q327 [4QCalendrical Doc e*]) 455
3 Horoscopes 456
4QHoroscopes (4Q186) 456
4Q Aramaic Horoscope (4Q561 [4QHor ar]) 456
THE COPPER SCROLL 459
3QThe Copper Scroll (3Q 15) 461
LIST OF MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAN 465
1 Biblical manuscripts 467
Non-Biblical manuscripts 468
2 Biblical manuscripts 470
Non-Biblical manuscripts 477
3 Biblical manuscripts 472
Non-Biblical manuscripts 472
4 Biblical manuscripts 47J
CONTENTS
xviii
Non-Biblical manuscripts 48]
5 Biblical manuscripts 508
Non-Biblical manuscripts 508
6 Biblical manuscripts 509
Non-Biblical manuscripts 509
7 Biblical manuscripts 5 10
Unidentified manuscripts 570
8 Biblical manuscripts 510
Non-Biblical manuscripts 511
11 Biblical manuscripts 511
Non-Biblical manuscripts s12
Preface to the English Translation & Translator's Note
XX
PREFACE TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Between the publication of the first Spanish edition of Textos de Qumran in
November 1992 and the appearance of this English translation, research on the
manuscripts from Qumran has proceeded at a faster pace and its fruits can be
found collected here.
Of particular importance has been the publication of four works, very differ-
ent in character. Each in its own way has contributed to the preparation of this
volume and they account for the obvious differences which this English transla-
tion displays in respect of the first Spanish edition.
First and of most importance was the publication in the summer of 1993 of
the complete edition on microfiche of all the manuscripts from the Dead Sea:
The Dead Sea Scrolls on Microfiche. A Comprehensive Facsimile Edition of the
Texts from the Judaean Desert , edited by Emanuel Tov with the collaboration
of Stephen Pfann (E. J. Brill-iDC, Leiden 1993) which for the first time has
placed at the disposal of all researchers the entire collection of material avail-
able. The second was the publication of the first two fascicles of A Preliminary
Edition of the Unpublished Dead Sea Scrolls , reconstructed and edited by Ben
Zion Wacholder and Martin G. Abegg (Biblical Archaeological Society, Wash-
ington 1991 and 1992) in which the text of the various copies of 4QD,
4QMishmarot, a series of Wisdom Texts and Sectarian Scriptures have been
reconstructed with the aid of a computer using A Preliminary Concordance to
the Hebrew and Aramaic Fragments from Qumran Caves ihx. They have also
made the reading of some badly preserved fragments much easier for me. The
third was the publication by R. Eisenman and M. O. Wise of The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered (Element, Shaftesbury 1992), a book which contains the tran-
scription and English translation of several previously unpublished texts. The
quality of these transcriptions and translations sometimes leaves much to be
desired (as shown in my review article ‘Notas al margen de The Dead Sea Scrolls
Uncovered', Revue de Qumran 61 [1993] 123-150). Also, a large part of the texts
they publish was already included in the Spanish edition. Even so, using this
book helped me to read and translate several new texts now accessible in the
microfiche edition. The fourth was the publication of the supplement to Klaus
Beyer, Die aramaischen Texte vom Toten Meer. Ergdnzungsband (Vandenhoeck
& Ruprecht, Gottingen 1994) which completes the edition of the Aramaic texts
from Qumran with the publication of some previously unpublished.
Thanks to these works and to continual study of the originals, this book
claims to offer the reader a translation of the 270 most important manuscripts
from Qumran. In other words, it is a virtually complete translation of the non-
biblical manuscripts found there. Of course the ‘List of Manuscripts from
Qumran’ has been brought completely up to date, taking new publications into
account.
Like the Spanish edition, this English translation omits any kind of note or
explanation, since everything needed to understand these difficult texts is in-
PREFACE TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION
XXI
eluded in my Introduction to the Literature from Qumran , a forthcoming com-
panion volume to this book. While awaiting its publication and as an aid to the
reader, I have added a short list of books in English to the Introduction.
I wish to thank Dr. W. Watson for the immense work carried out in trans-
forming the Spanish text into idiomatic and fluent English, for his patience in
including the changes I asked him to make as a result of checking the originals
again and for his readiness to sacrifice even some of his elegant solutions to my
desire for a more literal translation. I thank Hans van der Meij, Acquisitions
Editor of Brill Publishers, for the interest and care with which he has directed
the publication process of this book at each and every stage.
FLORENTINO GARCIA MARTINEZ
Qumran Instituut- University of Groningen
June 1994
XXII
translator’s note
The present comprehensive translation of the non-biblical texts from the
Qumran library was prepared from the Spanish version by Florentino Garcia
Martinez in close collaboration with him and the publisher. The only liberties
I have taken have been with the alphabetic acrostic poems, in an attempt to
reflect the initial letters within these patterns. Professor Garcia Martinez was
patient enough to work through my drafts and solve the many translation prob-
lems that inevitably arose. To him and to Hans van der Meij, of Brill, I extend
my thanks for their hospitality during my brief stay in Groningen and for their
help over the past year.
WILFRED G. E. WATSON
*■7
Department of Religious Studies
The University
Newcastle upon Tyne uk
Foreword
XXIV
FOREWORD
This book comprises an English translation of the Hebrew and Aramaic texts
commonly known as The Dead Sea Scrolls. To be more precise, it offers the
reader a translation of the non-biblical manuscripts found in the various caves
in the region round Qumran since, as explained in the Introduction, the preva-
lent terms Dead Sea Scrolls or Manuscripts from the Judaean Desert in fact de-
note a range of manuscript collections from very different periods, varying
widely in content and origin.
The decision by the Huntington Library, on September 22nd 1991, to place
copies of the photographs of the manuscripts in its possession at the disposal
of research scholars and, above all the decision by the Israel Antiquities Au-
thority, on October 21st 1991, to cancel all existing restrictions on the use of
photographs of unpublished manuscripts, created a completely new situation.
For the first time it was possible to envisage a complete edition of all the manu-
scripts recovered from the caves. Several months of frenzied work on the many
hundreds of as yet unpublished manuscripts of Cave 4 persuaded me that ful-
filling such a dream was neither necessary nor possible. A large part of the
unpublished manuscripts - like a good part of the manuscripts published al-
ready, comprises such fragmentary remains that to translate them would be of
absolutely no value to the reader.
This translation then is not a translation of all the non-biblical manuscripts
recovered from the vicinity of Qumran. However, it does claim to include all
the most important ones. The total number of manuscripts recovered comes
to about 800. Of these manuscripts, 225 are copies of various biblical books,
and a translation of them would be out of place here. Of another 275 or 300
manuscripts, so little of the text has been preserved that translating them
would make no sense. These are minute remains of unidentified manuscripts
and of fragments w hich mostly contain traces of a few complete words. Also,
fragments with traces of several lines of text, but in such condition that it is not
possible either to make sense of them or decide what work they contained.
And, in addition, fragments, the content of which or even the work to which
they belong can be determined with a degree of certainty, but the text is so
short its translation would be of no use to the reader. This is not to imply that
such minute fragments cannot be interesting, as shown by the intensive debates
concerning the minute Greek fragments from Cave 7, as yet unidentified, or
the dust storm of November 1991 in The New York Times concerning the five
broken lines of 4Q285, a text related to the War Scroll. Of the other 300 or so
manuscripts, the 200 longest and most important have been included in this
translation. (The most complete translation so far, the third edition of the Eng-
lish translation by Geza Vermes, published in 1987, contains only the better
preserved sections of 62 manuscripts). Although the number of the remaining
manuscripts, between too and 150, might still seem large, the amount of text
which can be recovered from them is comparatively small, since all of them
FOREWORD
XXV
comprise very small fragments. A rough calculation shows that the contents of
them all could not be expected to be 5 percent of the text of the manuscripts
included here. To give a concrete example: the five copies of the Hymns of
Cave 4 (4Q427-43 1), which have not been included in the present translation,
together comprise a shorter text than a single one of the 25 columns of iqI 1".
The purpose of the translation offered here is to allow the interested reader,
without any knowledge of the original languages of the manuscripts, to be able
to enjoy the riches of a vast library, accumulated over several centuries by a
sectarian group and stored in caves in the Desert of Judah in the year 68 of the
first century ce, part of which has survived to our own time. This aim has
shaped the final translation: as literal, as neutral and as close to the Hebrew and
Aramaic text as possible, even if the outcome lacks both finesse and fluency. It
is only in the texts which are evidently poetry that I have allowed myself some
freedom, such as occasionally omitting the ubiquitous conjunction or using
synonyms.
This same purpose has induced me to translate different surviving copies of
a single work with special attention to minute variations between them, so as
not to prejudge whether they are actual copies of the same text, different edi-
tions, re-use of the same material in another context, etc. I have only attempted
to restore parallel passages when the layout of a text so restored, in the particu-
lar script of each manuscript, seems to allow this.
This same purpose has determined the presentation of the translations which
attempt to reflect the actual state of preservation of the various manuscripts.
Hence the indications of spaces left blank ( Blank ), intralinear insertions, correc-
tions or erasure of certain words, etc. Hence the sparse restorations. Only when
the presence of parallel passages, the repetitiousness of the formulas used or
other equally persuasive factors permit, have I allowed myself to restore (in
square brackets) the text actually preserved. In any case, these restorations are
no more than suggestions and are intended simply to make the text^asier to
read. The symbols used in the translation are as given on the following page.
For the same practical purpose, and as an aid to the reader, each work is pro-
vided with a title which will make identification much easier to remember than
the serial number of the official publication. A large number of the manuscripts
already published has been provided with titles of this kind by the editors. In
fact, at least three mss have preserved the original title on the back. A manu-
script fragment from Cave 1, which contained all three compositions known as
the Rule of the Community (tQS), Rule of the Congregation (tQSa) and the Rule of
the Blessings , has on the outside, in large letters, ‘[Ru]le of the community and
of [...]’. Fragment 8 of 4Q504 has the title of the composition on the back:
'Words of the Luminaries’. And the manuscript 4Q250 is, in fact, the reverse
of one of the papyrus fragments of 4Q249 (not included here), a cryptographic
XXVI
[xxx]
text restoration
xxxfxxx] [xxxjxxx
partially preserved text
[...]
lacuna of unspecified length in the manuscript
]•••[
^ traces of illegible words or letters in the manuscript
{xxx}
legible or illegible text erased by the copyist
<xxx>
text inadvertently omitted (or repeated) by the copyist
/xxx/ /.../
legible or illegible text inserted between the lines by the copyist
Blank
space left blank in the manuscript, either intentionally (new paragraph) or by mistake
(?)
uncertain reading or translation
(xxx)
explanation required for the meaning of the English text
****
four dots in the manuscipt to represent the tetragrammaton
FOREWORD
XXV11
text which has the title of the work in clearly legible square characters:
‘Midrash on the Book of Moses’. In order to avoid confusion, the titles given
by the editors have been retained, even when they are clearly unsuitable. In
most cases the title assigned describes in some way the contents of the manu-
script.
All the translations have been made with photographs of the originals in
front of me. The text used for the translation of most of the Aramaic texts and
of the biblical interpretations is the one I was able to prepare in Jerusalem,
between 1974 and 1979, thanks to a grant from the Fundacion Juan March. In
the case of other manuscripts already published, the edito princeps or the pre-
liminary edition, as well as later translations and studies, have been taken into
consideration. However, this does not imply that the reading or interpretation
adopted here is always that proposed by editors or other scholars. In the case
of the texts from Caves 4 and 11, here translated for the first time, the transla-
tion is based on my own transcription of these same texts.
The book is arranged in the following way: a short introduction presents the
reader with a history of the discoveries and of their publication, and offers him
the basic elements to be able to place the manuscripts in their actual historical
context. The material has been set out systematically, which enables the inter-
nal relationships among the different manuscripts to be perceived and high-
lights the homogeneity of content of the Qumran library.
The first chapter contains the main Rules of the sect. These documents
provide us with the most information concerning the organisation, way of life,
customs and thought of the community or communities for which they were
intended. Chapter two is a collection of texts which are equally normative, the
halakhic texts, which show us in practice the characteristic application of Old
Testament law current within the group. The third chapter is an assortment
of compositions, though all of them share the same theme dominant- in the
concerns of the Qumran community: the exploration of the truths of ‘the last
days’. Chapter four collects the exegetical output of the community, composi-
tions directly concerned with showing us how the biblical text was interpreted,
translated and even altered. Chapter five assembles a long series of ‘Para-bibli-
cal literature’. Some of these are compositions parallel to the biblical text, ap-
proximating the original text in different degrees. Others represent indepen-
dent traditions developed around biblical personages. Others again reveal to us
literary creations of the same type as the biblical narratives which by chance
were not included in the bible, although a few of them, such as the Book of
Jubilees , seem to have enjoyed truly biblical authority within the community.
Chapter six gathers together poetic compositions which may or may not have
been used in the liturgy, aprocryphal psalms, wisdom poems, etc. Chapter
seven contains those works probably intended for liturgical use or which are
XXV111
FOREWORD
remains of rituals. In chapter eight, astronomical compositions, calendars and
horoscopes found in the caves, are represented, all works of fundamental reli-
gious importance for the Qumran community. The ninth chapter contains a
single document: the Copper Scroll , a unique text the meaning of w hich contin-
ues to be mystifying.
A closing appendix contains a complete list of all the manuscripts found in
the caves in the area around Qumran. This List has two functions. First, it
gives the reader an exact idea of all the texts recovered. Accordingly, it contains
biblical manuscripts as well as non-biblical manuscripts, and includes manu-
scripts already published as well as those which remain, as yet, unpublished.
The second function is to provide the requisite bibliographical references in
order to locate the editions of the texts already published and those studies
which provide information concerning texts still unpublished.
Every translation presupposes some degree of interpretation, all the more so
when it is a question of texts which can be read in several ways. In the case of
unvocalised texts, like ours, and when in the scripts of the different manu-
scripts some consonants are identical in form, very frequently translation im-
plies a prior decision concerning both reading and interpretation . The scientific
explanation and justification of these decisions would require space not avail-
able here and would be of no interest to the reader unfamiliar with the original
languages.
In spite of the fragmentary and incomplete condition of the manuscripts,
these texts have completely transformed the way we understand the formation
and development of the Old Testament books. They have increased our knowl-
edge concerning the origins of Christianity and Judaism. They have opened
unsuspected viewpoints in our understanding of the history, culture, religion
and language of Palestine in the centuries prior to the destruction of the Tem-
ple. Without them, the study of the bible, of Judaism and of Christianity as
historical events is unthinkable today. However, in spite of their riches, these
texts, like most ancient religious texts, yield their secrets reluctantly. Their
contents can only be absorbed after deep study. The limitations of a literal
translation devoid of footnotes, which I freely accepted, have prevented me
from noting the literary, historical and theological problems they present, the '
contributions of every kind which they contain, the influences they reflect, the
avenues they open up, etc. All these aspects, as well as the results of forty years
of research on the first manuscripts to be published, are to be found in my
forthcoming An Introduction to the Literature from Qumran
One of the more pleasant privileges of an author at the close of his task is to
acknowledge publicly the debts incurred during the preparation of a book and
express his gratitude to all those who have contributed to its gestation. How-
FOREWORD
XXIX
ever, when it is a matter of a work which has developed gradually over the
years, this privilege becomes an impossible task. There are too many names and
too many influences, there is too much material making up the scaffolding
which enabled its construction. Of course, I cannot go without mentioning
some of the people who throughout these years have sustained my enthusiasm
for these texts. In first place come the members of the first generation of edi-
tors of these manuscripts, in particular Professor John Strugnell and Professor
Josef T. Milik. Without their pioneering work it would not have been possible
to understand most of these texts. Then, Professor L. Alonso Schokel, who in
those far off years of study in Rome encouraged me to relinquish studying the
tannaitic midrashim (a field as esoteric as my own specialty) in order to devote
myself entirely to Qumran. The colleagues of the Instituto Espanol Biblico y
Arqueologico of Jerusalem, our ‘Casa de Santiago’ and especially Professor
Julio Trebolle Barrera, of the Department of Hebrew and Aramaic in the
Universidad Complutense, who knew and know how to make every hour of
joyful meetings an hour of reflexion. The colleagues of the ‘Ecole Biblique’ in
Jerusalem, especially Professor Emile Puech, who shared with me the responsi-
bility of editing the Revue de Qumran, for the hours we spent together over the
photographs of fragments. The colleagues of the Department of Biblical Stud-
ies of the University of Groningen, especially Professor A. S. van der Woude,
who was able to establish in his ‘Qumran Instituut’ the ideal conditions for free
development of research. The Spanish Ministry of Education and Science
which, in 1991, funded my stay for a sabbatical semester in the Instituto de
Filologia Biblica y Oriental of the Consejo Superior de Investigacciones
Cientificas, during which I was able to produce the first draft of this book. The
director of that Institute, Professor Natalio Fernandez Marcos, as well as Pro-
fessor Emilia Fernandez Tejero and Professor M. Victoria Spottorno Diez-
Caro, close colleagues who turned this stay into an unforgettable experience.
Above all, my own family, Annie, Julian and Jean-Baptiste. Annie washable to
share with pleasure my enthusiasm for the ‘Teacher of Righteousness’ and ‘the
sons of light’; Julian and Jean-Baptiste have grown up surrounded by cryptic
texts and a father not always accessible on account of those texts; she and the
children have patiently endured my periods of absence over these months. To
them I dedicate this book, for it is the product of time stolen from them.
FLORENTINO GARCIA MARTINEZ
Introduction
xxxn
INTRODUCTION
i The Dead Sea Scrolls
Over the course of the last forty years, chance finds and the systematic explora-
tion of the ruins and caves of the various Wadis of the Judaean Desert have
supplied a large number of manuscripts from different periods and of various
types. All these are known as ‘the Dead Sea Scrolls’ and they have all been, or
are to be published in the series Discoveries in the Judaean Desert of the
Clarendon Press, Oxford, or in the series devoted to manuscripts found in
Israeli excavations, prepared by the Shrine of the Book and the Israel Museum.
All these manuscripts have been classified into collections according to find-
spot, whether they were found on the site by archaeologists or whether they
were acquired on the flourishing antiquities market. The collections are as
follows (In the sequence of the palaeographic dating of the preserved material:)
Papyri from Wadi Daliyeh or Samaria Papyri : a collection of papyri from the 4th
century bce, discovered in 1962 in several caves about 15 kilometres North of
Jericho.1 Although archaeological exploration of the caves in 1963 and 19642
also uncovered remains of human occupation from the Bronze Age and the
period of revolt by Bar Kokhba, most of the material comprised remains from
the Persian Period. This included nearly 200 human skeletons of all ages to-
gether with a large quantity of pottery, coins, jewels, foodstuff's and the most
important collection of papyri ever discovered in Palestine. These documents,
which were legal in character and written in Aramaic, are dated between 375
and 335 BCE and made up part of the possessions of a group of persons in flight
before the destruction of Samaria by the soldiers of Alexander the Great in 33 1
bce Caught by surprise in the caves by the Macedonian soldiers, it seems that
they died from suffocation from a fire lit by the soldiers at the entrance to the
caves. At present only one of the twenty best preserved papyri has been pub-
lished in its entirety.3
The Manuscripts of Qumran: comprise Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek manuscripts
stemming from 1 1 caves in the area around Khirbet Qumran, either those dis-
covered during the various campaigns of archaeological exploration of the caves
or those purchased on the antiquities market.4
The Masada Manuscripts', comprise the texts discovered during excavation of the
fortress of Masada. Together with a series of Hebrew and Aramaic ostraca and
fragments of papyri in Latin, the collection includes several biblical texts,5 a
Hebrew manuscript of Ben Sira6 and a copy of Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice ,7
a composition of which there are several copies in the manuscripts from
Qumran, as well as many fragments in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin.8
The actual collection has not yet been published in full,9 but its contents are
known thanks to the description given by the excavator, Y. Yadin.10
INTRODUCTION
xxxiii
The Manuscripts of Murabbacat\ comprise the manuscripts found in various caves
of Wadi Murabbacat. Besides a 7th century bce palimpsest, some remains from
the 1st century ce and a limited number of Arabic texts, this collection com-
prises documents in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin of the period of Bar
Kokhba’s revolt, among which contracts and letters signed by Bar Kokhba
himself stand out. The complete collection has been published in Discoveries
in the Judaean Desert 11.11
The Manuscripts of Nahal Hever. comprise the manuscripts discovered during
archaeological campaigns by the Israelis in i960 and 1961 in two caves of Nahal
Hever:12 the ‘Cave of the Letters’ and the ‘Cave of Horror’. In the ‘Cave of the
Letters’ were found a couple of biblical fragments (a fragment of Num 20 : 7-8
and a fragment with traces of Pss 15 and 16) and a large quantity of Hebrew,
Aramaic, Nabataean and Greek papyri, arranged in two large units: the family
archive of Babata and documents concerning Bar Kokhba.
The family archive of Babata, which tells us about all the facets of a rich
Jewish family from En-Gedi and south of the Dead Sea ce, comprises 35 docu-
ments: 17 written in Greek, 9 in Greek with signatures in Aramaic, Nabataean
or both, 6 written in Nabataean and 3 in Aramaic. They are all papyri and con-
tain contracts or deeds of different types. The Nabataean and Aramaic docu-
ments have been described by Y. Yadin,13 those in Greek by H. J. Polotsky14
and four of the Greek texts have been published in preliminary form.'5 All the
Greek texts from the archive of Babata, now given the label P. Yadin , have
been published recently.'6
Even more significant are the many documents connected with Bar Kokhba.
These are a bundle of 14 Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic papyri and a wooden
tablet written in Aramaic found during the excavations of i96017 and another
bundle of six papyri, in Hebrew and Aramaic, written in En-Gedi, discovered
during the 1961 excavations.18 All these manuscripts, letters, contracts etc.,
together with the texts connected with Bar Kokhba from Murabbacat, provide
information of inestimable value for an understanding of the Second Jewish
Revolt.'9
The material which comes from the ‘Cave of Horror’20 is much less abun-
dant; a few ostraca, a fragment in Hebrew, remains of unidentified Hebrew and
Greek papyri and the remains of a Greek manuscript of the Twelve Prophets.
Together with one of the fragments of a Nabataean papyrus from the ‘Cave of
the Letters’, these Greek fragments show the real origin of some of the mate-
rial in the collection from Wadi Seiyal, and the strong resemblance between
both collections.
The Manuscripts from Wadi Seiyal. the collection of manuscripts coming from
Wadi Seiyal is divided into two groups, kept in the Rockefeller Museum and
XXXIV
INTRODUCTION
in the Shrine of the Book, respectively. The first group contains manuscripts
acquired between 1952 and 1954 by the erstwhile ‘Palestine Archaeological
Museum’ as coming from Wadi Seiyal (biblical manuscripts and legal docu-
ments in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Nabataean). The exact source of several
of these texts is dubious even though in some cases it is known for certain that
material submitted as found in Wadi Seiyal actually comes from clandestine
excavations in Nahal 1 lever. 2 1 The Greek manuscript of the Twelve Prophets
has recently been published as the first volume of the Seiyal Collection22 in
Discoveries in the Judaean Desert vm, and the remainder of the collection will
appear in another volume of the same series, edited by J. T. Milik, E. Puech and
J. Schwarz.23 The group kept in the Shrine of the Book comprises manuscripts
discovered during Israeli archaeological excavations in i960 and will be pub-
/• ’
lished separately from the earlier manuscripts.24
The Manuscripts from Nahal Mishmar: the caves of Nahal Mishmar are remark-
ably rich in artifacts from the chalcolithic period (4500-3000 bce) but provide
hardly any documents. In actual fact the collection amounts to no more than
a couple of papyri found during exploration of the caves in 1961. 25
The Manuscripts from Khirbet Mird: the collection comprises Greek, Christian
Palestinian Aramaic and Arabic manuscripts from the ruins of the ancient
monastery of Castellion, both those acquired from the Bedouin as well as those
discovered by the Belgian expedition in 1953. It contains fragments of the New
Testament, both in Greek and in Christian Palestinian Aramaic as well as other
documents in Greek, Christian Palestinian Aramaic and Arabic, all of them
from the Byzantine and Arab periods.2*’
These collections as a whole are known as ‘the Dead Sea Scrolls’. Undoubt-
edly, each of these collections has a character of its own and the texts they
contain come from different periods. The Samaria papyri, official documents,
most of them dated, all come from the 4th century bce. The manuscripts from
Qumran and Masada are from the period before the destruction of both sites
during the great war against Rome in the first century ce. Although dating by
palaeography and the content of the material which comes from both these
collections is compatible, and although both equally include such a typical work
as the Songs for the Sabbath Sacrifice , the exact archaeological and historical
context of both discoveries compels us to consider them as two separate collec-
tions. Although the manuscripts from Murabba’at, Nahal Hever, Wadi Seiyal
and Nahal Mishmar contain incidental remains of earlier periods, they are
placed by most scholars as belonging to the revolt by Bar Kokhba, in the sec-
ond century ce, and they are related to it directly. They can be considered as
a single collection in terms of content -mainly autographs, contracts, letters,
INTRODUCTION
XXXV
etc. - and in terms of their origin in connection with the Bar Kokhba revolt and
of the dating of the manuscripts to the second century ce. As for the manu-
scripts from Khirbet Mird, their Christian character, their late date and their
origin clearly mark this collection as different from the preceding.
The subject of this book consists exclusively of those manuscripts found in
the various caves in the area around Khirbet Qumran, the longest, most varied
and undoubtedly the most interesting of the ‘Dead Sea Scrolls’.
XXXVI
INTRODUCTION
ii History of the Qumran Finds and their publication
1 7947-2956/ The First Manuscripts
Each of the main actors in the discovery of the manuscripts coming from the
various caves in the area around Khirbet Qumran has conveyed to us his own
account of how and when the manuscripts were discovered, acquired, acknowl-
edged as authentic and identified.27 The details of these accounts are, of course,
conflicting; however they can be summarised in outline as follows:28
Everything begins with the Bedouin of the Tacamireh tribe. They were the
chance discoverers at the start and the passionate prospectors later on, of most
of the manuscripts originating from the area of Qumran. In one version of the
events itTs a shepherd of the tribe, Mohammed ed-Dhib, who in search of a
stray goat came across the first of the caves with manuscripts. In another ac-
count there are three shepherds, Khalil Musa, Jumca Mohammed and Moham-
med ed-Dhib who get into the cave and retrieve a number of jars, some empty,
some filled with manuscripts. The precise date of the first discovery cannot be
determined for certain: either towards the end of 1946 or at the beginning of
1947. What is certain is that in the spring of 1947, seven manuscripts originat-
ing from Cave 1 pass into the hands of two ‘dealers in antiquities’ in Bethle-
hem: Jalil Iskandar Shalim, the famous Kando, and Faidi Salahi. Kando was
later to become the indispensable middleman between the Bedouin who made
the discoveries and the authorities of the Palestine Archaeological Museum.
Four of these seven manuscripts (i.e. iqIs", tQpHab, iqs and lQapGen)
were acquired by Athanasius Yeshue Samuel, the archimandrite of the Syrian-
Orthodox monastery of Saint Mark in Jerusalem, in the hope of making some
profit from their sale. The other three (iqIs4, iqh and iqm) were offered to
Professor E. L. Sukenik of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. In November
1947, on the very day the State of Israel was proclaimed, apparently, Professor
Sukenik understood these manuscripts to be of interest and perhaps to be an-
cient. He acquired them for the Hebrew University, together with two of the
jars in which the manuscripts had been stored. Mar Athanasius, on the other
hand, after a lengthy and unsuccessful round of various individuals and institu-
tions in Jerusalem, from whom he requested information concerning the manu-
scripts, ended up by offering the four manuscripts in his possession to the
American School of Oriental Research (asor) in Jerusalem towards the end of
February 1948. In the absence of the director, Millar Burrows, one of the re-
search students, John C. Trever, luckily also a very good photographer, was to
examine the manuscripts. He identified one of them as a copy of Isaiah, recog-
nized it to be ancient and significant, and obtained from Mar Athanasius per-
mission to photograph three of them ( iqIs", tQpHab and iqS) in their entirety,
with a view to publishing them on behalf of the American School of Oriental
INTRODUCTION
XXXV11
Research. The fourth manuscript (lQapGen), in Aramaic, for a short time
called the ‘Lamekh Scroll’ because of the contents of one of the outer frag-
ments, was to remain rolled up due to its bad state of preservation and Mar
Athanasius’ conviction that this fact would make the whole lot more valuable.
In view of the political uncertainty of the country and the problems caused by
the setting up of the State of Israel, Mar Athanasius decided to transfer the
manuscripts in his possession to the United States with the prospect of selling
them. The excessive price he was to demand, in conjunction with the embit-
tered discussion concerning their authenticity, resulted in the sale taking place
as late as 1954. Through intermediaries, Yigael Yadin, Sukenik’s son, managed
to acquire the four manuscripts belonging to Mar Athanasius for the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem. In this way the seven manuscripts found in 1947 were
together once more, and to house them a special museum was built in Jerusa-
lem: the Shrine of the Book.
The official edition of iqIs“ and of lQpHab was published in 1950 by the
American School of Oriental Research,29 and in 195 1 the official edition of iqs
came out.30 The three manuscripts of the Hebrew University (iqIs*, iqh and
iQM) were published (posthumously) by Sukenik in 195s.31 The following year,
there appeared an edition of the best preserved parts of the ‘Lantech Scroll’
with the title Genesis Apocryphon (lQapGen),32 the publication of which com-
pleted this initial phase.
2 7949-7955; Excavation of Cave 1 and publication of the material
The first news of the discovery of the manuscripts, a press release from the
American School of Oriental Resarch, followed by another from Sukenik, both
in April 1948, aroused enormous interest. This was to increase even more with
the publication of the first scientific descriptions of the manuscripts and their
contents that same year and in 1949. 33 It became obvious that in order to estab-
lish the authenticity and antiquity of the manuscripts without a shadow of
doubt, a ‘scientifically controlled’ excavation of the cave in which they had
been found was necessary. For completely understandable reasons the bedouin
refused to indicate from which cave, among the thousands to be seen in the
gorges of the Judaean desert, their treasures had come. Thanks to the interven-
tion of the Arab Legion of Jordan, the cave was finally located by January 1949.
An archaeological expedition, under the direction of Lancaster Harding, direc-
tor of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, and of Roland de Vaux, direc-
tor of the ‘Ecole Biblique et Archeologique Fran9aise’, a controlled excavation
of the cave could take place between February 15th and March 5th, 1949. The
archaeologists were dismayed to find that the cave had already been ‘excavated’
previously, both by the bedouin and by the monks of the Syrian monastery of
XXXV111
INTRODUCTION
St Mark, which meant that it was impossible to determine its stratigraphy. Of
course, painstaking work on the material removed by the clandestine ‘excava-
tors’, as well as on the half-metre of earth deposited within the cave, enabled
them to retrieve much material. This included about 600 fragments deriving
from 70 different manuscripts, together with plenty of pottery fragments from
about 50 jars and other vessels. Also, fragments of the cloths in which the
manuscripts had been wrapped, including a fragment of a jar inside which was
stuck a lump of cloth with the remains of a scroll. Luckily, some of the frag-
ments of manuscripts found by the archaeologists helped to complete the
manuscripts discovered by the bedouin. This fact and analysis of the pottery
found, led to the conclusion that the first seven manuscripts were original and
truly ancient and established their importance with no shadow of doubt. The
archaeological excavation of Cave 1 was published in 1955, in a volume which
also included all the fragments from that cave and some of the fragments re-
trieved from clandestine ‘excavations’ (iq8, tQigbis, 1Q20, 1Q28, iQ34bis,
iQ7obis, 1Q71 and 1Q72).34
3 7957-7962: Excavation of Khirbet Qumran and of the 'Small Caves'
The same archaeological team decided to commence systematic excavation of
the ruins known as Khirbet Qumran, in order to establish whether or not there
was any connection between what appeared to be the remains of a fortress be-
longing to the Roman period and the manuscripts found in Cave 1. Under the
joint direction of Harding and de Vaux, five consecutive archaeological cam-
paigns were carried out. Right from the first of these, in 1951, a close connec-
tion between the ruins and the manuscript caves became obvious. What is
more, the identical pottery could only be explained by a common origin. Suc-
ceeding campaigns between 1953 and 1956 were gradually uncovering the vari-
ous phases of the building. They revealed the history of the group of humans
who had lived there and to whom the manuscripts found in Cave 1 belonged.
Although the final publication of the finds from these excavations has not yet
appeared, the most important material is already known. This is due to the
preliminary descriptions of the results of each campaign which appeared regu-
larly in Revue Biblique ,35 and especially to the overall view provided by de Vaux
in the Schweich Lectures of the British Academy in 1959. 36
To summarise, the results of the archaeological excavations show us that the
same group of humans, labelled ‘The Qumran Community’, occupied the
buildings excavated for a period of 200 years after having set up house in what
was left standing of a fortress built in the 7th or 8th century bce, and later
abandoned for several centuries.
The archaeologists differentiated three phases duringthis period of occupation.
INTRODUCTION
XXXIX
In the first phase (de Vaux’s Period la) which was very short, a small group of
people occupied and re-used the abandoned buildings of an ancient fortress.
This was a rectangular building with a number of rooms built against the inner
part of one of the walls and a large circular cistern. The new residents did no
more than adapt the existing buildings and add two new rectangular cisterns
and two potter’s ovens. Neither the exact beginning nor the close of this first
phase is known for certain.37 De Vaux conjectures that this occupation could
have begun during the reign of Jonathan (161-143/142 bce).
However, this conjecture contradicts the actual facts provided by archaeo-
logy and the very arguments used by de Vaux and is determined by a particular
interpretation of the statements in the Pesharim ,38 The only absolutely certain
facts are as follows. The initial occupation by the sect occurred shortly before
the reign of John Hyrcanus or during his long reign (135/134-104 BCE), i.e.,
well into the second half of the second century bce,39 and this occupation
lasted for a very short time since the remains attributable to it are very sparse.
During the reign of Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 bce) or perhaps during the
reign of his predecessor, John Hyrcanus, this initial occupation increased quite
considerably and the buildings took on the form they were to retain, more or
less, until their destruction (Period lb of de Vaux). The most noteworthy
change to the existing buildings involved the construction of a complex ar-
rangement for trapping the water of the nearby wadi by means of an aqueduct,
and retaining it in large cisterns within the complex, three of them of enormous
size. This is proof of a significant increase in the number of people. Just as
typical are the addition of a massive square tower to guard the entrance and the
building of storehouses and workshops. Also, several large-sized rooms, one of
which in particular was clearly intended for the assembly of many people and
at the side of which was found a room in which hundreds of plates, cups, jars
and other objects needed for the table were found stored. In contrast, the num-
ber of rooms which could have been intended as bedrooms turns out to ]?e very
small compared to the buildings for common use. De Vaux’s conclusion is firm
and utterly convincing: the constructions excavated are the remains of build-
ings in which a large group of humans, living in tents or huts (or in the sur-
rounding caves) would congregate for activities in common: assemblies, com-
mon meals, acts of cleansing, jobs in the various workshops, etc. This phase
lasted a long time (until the reign of Herod the Great, 37-4 bce) and ended
suddenly through earthquake or fire, or from the effect of both, as can clearly
be seen in the ruins.
The following phase (de Vaux’s Period 11) comes after a short interval when
the ruins were abandoned as a result of the fire and the destruction which hap-
pened before that -there remains archaeological evidence for the period of
abandonment -and began during the reign of Archelaus (4 bce to 6 ce). This
period of occupation is marked by the rebuilding and re-use of one part of the
xl
INTRODUCTION
earlier buildings, which continue in communal use as before. A certain number
of changes is clearly visible in the ruins without altering the appearance of the
buildings to any extent. The most important room in terms of what was re-
trieved is, perhaps, the large room of the first floor which collapsed during the
violent destruction which terminated this period. However, from the debris it
was possible to salvage three long tables covered with plaster, and several ink-
wells. These show that it was a place intended for the preparation and copying
of the manuscripts discovered in the caves. Thanks especially to the abundance
of coins found, including a treasure comprising 560 coins in Tyrian silver bur-
ied in three little pots, it has been possible to establish the beginnings of this
phase as between 4 bce and 1 bce, and its close in the year 68 of the first cen-
tury CE. The ample remains of ashes resulting from the burnt ceilings, and the
arrowheads that were found, are convincing proof that the end of this phase
was caused by a battle. The remains found in the following phase make it just
as evident that the destruction was the work of the Roman army in the course
of the first Jewish War.
With Period 11 occupation of Qumran by the community ended. The next
phase (de Vaux’s Period ill) presents us with a building totally different in
shape and features. Only a small part of the ruined buildings is cleared and
rebuilt: the large tower and adjoining buildings, strengthened with rough ram-
parts. In this way the whole complex takes on the form of a small Roman for-
tress, which it was to retain right until the excavations. The beginning of this
phase is established from coins as the year 68, when the coins found from Pe-
riod 11 end, and when the coins connected with the remains from Period in
begin. Its close is very uncertain. The lack of coins later than the year 72/73
make it very likely that the occupation of the place by a small Roman garrison
ended at the time of the capture of Fortress Masada, the last bastion of resis-
tance in the area, in the year 73.
The results of these excavations have succeeded in providing an exact histor-
ical background to the manuscripts found in the caves. They have proved that
these manuscripts originate from people who lived for two centuries in what
are today the ruins of Qumran, and that at least some of them were copied
there. They have also provided the definitive latest date when the manuscripts
were stored in the caves: the year 68 of the 1st century. The implication is that
all the manuscripts were copied before this date. In addition, the results have
proved that the owners of these manuscripts lived in accordance with a particu-
lar type of community organization. Corroboration comes from the excavation
of the large cemeteries in the vicinity of the ruins and the later excavation of
cAin Feshka, a construction next to a sweet water spring on the shore of the
Dead Sea, belonging to the same period and occupied by the same people as
were in the ruins of Qumran.40
This view was almost universally accepted when first proposed and went
INTRODUCTION
xli
unchallenged for some forty years. In recent years, however, alternative inter-
pretations of the archaeological finds have been proposed. N. Gold argued that
Qumran was a desert fortress and P. Doncel maintained that Qumran was an
agricultural villa where balsam was produced. J. B. Humbert, who is in charge
of the publication of the final report on the excavations of de Vaux, suggests
that the Essenes built a place of worship at Qumran on the site of a
Hasmonaean pleasure villa at the end of the first century bce.4'
The hypotheses of Gold and of Doncel, which eliminate any connection
between the ruins of Qumran and the caves of the manuscripts, seem incom-
patible with the sum total of the evidence preserved. The restriction of the
period of ‘sectarian’ occupation of the ruins to de Vaux’s Period n as proposed
by Humbert seems more plausible to me. However, until the definitive publica-
tion of the archaeological material, it is impossible to evaluate in detail the re-
spective merits of these new hypotheses.
In 1952, in view of rumours that once again the Tacamireh bedouin had found
another cave containing manuscripts in the Qumran area, the ‘Ecole Biblique
et Archeologique Franyaise’, the American School of Oriental Research and the
Palestine Archaeological Museum decided to arrange a systematic exploration
of the whole of the rocky wall of the region. Their aims were to locate the new
cave and to determine whether or not there were other hiding-places for manu-
scripts in the area. Between the 10th and the 29th March, seven teams were to
search each cavity, for a stretch of about 8 kilometres. It was possible, in fact,
to locate Cave 2, and the archaeologists managed to find a couple of tiny frag-
ments among the remains of the bedouin’s clandestine dig. The archaeologists
carried out 230 sondages without success, but in 40 caves they did find pottery
and other traces of human occupation. In 26 of these caves the pottery found
was of the same kind as found in Cave 1 and in the first archaeological cam-
paign of Khirbet Qumran. Only one of the caves excavated provided a certain
number of manuscripts. This was Cave 3, in which the archaeologists found,
in addition, two ‘Copper Scrolls’. In September the same year, the bedouin
found a new cave with manuscripts in the rocky wall. This is Cave 6, which
was excavated at once by the archaeologists, who were able to retrieve only a
few fragments of papyrus and leather.
Following the discovery of Cave 4 by the bedouin, which we will treat sepa-
rately, in September 1952 the archaeologists also searched the ravines at the
foot of the ruins of Qumran and they located and excavated Cave 5. Later on,
during the archaeological campaigns of February and March 1955, they de-
cided to make a systematic excavation of the slopes of the terrace on which the
ruins were situated, to ascertain whether a natural or man-made cave might
have remained hidden by later falls. This enormous task was successful. It
provided confirmation that no further treasure comparable to Cave 4 had re-
xlii
INTRODUCTION
mained hidden, and also led to the finding and excavation of Caves 7-10, which
contained remains of manuscripts. All the material of these ‘small caves’ to-
gether with the results of their excavation were published in 1962. 42
4 1952: Cave 4
The ruins of Qumran are situated above a marl terrace, halfway between the
rocky edge of the Judaean Desert and the deep rift of the Jordan and the Dead
Sea. It comprises sedimentary rock and the combined effect of rain and of wadi
Qumran have carved deep gullies in its sides. During the excavation of the
ruins, the archaeologists had noticed several cavities in these precipices, but
had considered them to be holes caused by the water and ‘archaeologically bar-
ren’ and So did not search them.
A mistake which was to be enormously expensive. As de Vaux relates in the
official report of the excavation which came out straight after the discovery,43
this was not due to chance but was the result of careful search. Commenting
one evening, in his camp, on the results gained from the search and sale of the
manuscripts, an old Tacamireh man remembered that in the far off days of his
youth, while hunting in the Qumran region, he had wounded a partridge which
had found safety in a crevice in the wall of the wadi, not far from the ruins of
Qumran. Not wishing to relinquish his prey, with difficulty he managed to
slither in until he found it in a room full of rubbish, amongst which he made
out fragments of pottery, from which he retrieved a clay lamp. Following his
directions, several youths from the tribe managed to climb down to reach the
small opening. In this way they hit on what turned out to be the principal hid-
ing-place for manuscripts: the remains of the central library of the Qumran
community. Word of this quickly spread, and after that the archaeologists ar-
rived, preceded by a squad of police from Jericho, who succeeded in halting the
clandestine excavation, by now well under way. The archaeological team exca-
vated the lower levels of the cave which had been built as a dwelling-place, just
like the other caves on the edges of the marl terrace and they discovered a small
subterranean dwelling which the bedouin had not touched. In this way they
were able to retrieve a thousand fragments stemming from about a hundred
texts, a tiny fraction of the material contained in Cave 4. Luckily, though, most
of these belonged to the same manuscripts excavated by the bedouin, thus pro-
viding a check that the material which they offered for sale was genuine. The
gradual sale of the manuscripts was to continue until 1958.
The material is enormous: about 15,000 fragments which come from about
550 different manuscripts. The Jordanian Government immediately granted
the sum of 15,000 pounds in order to assist acquisition by the Palestine Archae-
ological Museum. However, owing to the large amount of material, the Mu-
seum was forced to turn to foreign institutions in order to pay for its acquisi-
INTRODUCTION
xliii
tion. The help of McGill University of Montreal, the Vatican Library, the
University of Manchester, the University of Heidelberg and the McCormick
Theological Seminary of Chicago, the All Souls Church of New York and of
the University of Oxford made it possible to purchase the fragments, and in
return they were granted the right to publish part of them.
Publication was entrusted to an international and interconfessional team which
included representatives named by these institutions, united in Jerusalem un-
der the direction of de Vaux. The biblical manuscripts were entrusted to P.
Skehan and F. M. Cross. The non-biblical manuscripts were shared among J.
M. Allegro, M. Baillet, J. T. Milik, J. Strugnell and J. Starcky.44 The team com-
pleted the unbelievable task of arranging the jigsaw puzzle of thousands of
fragments into groups of manuscripts. They also provided preliminary reports
of their contents, prepared a complete transcription of all the fragments and
even compiled a concordance of all the words that could be read in them. Yet,
at the present time the only allocations of manuscripts published in their en-
tirety are those which were assigned to John M. Allegro45 and M. Baillet.46 A
large number of the other texts from Cave 4 have been published in prelimi-
nary form,47 but the definitive edition in the series Discoveries in the Judaean
Desert has not yet been finished.48 With the aim of speeding up its publication,
both Cross and Strugnell have joined with other scholars over the last few years
in the task of preparing the final edition of their respective allocations. Also,
the Israel Antiquities Authority has decided to entrust other scholars with part
of the share allocated to Milik.
5 7956-7977: Cave 77
The significant profit received from the sale of the manuscripts from Cave 4
whetted the appetite of the untiring Tacamireh bedouin to such an extent, that
in January 1956 they succeeded in finding another new cave with manuscripts:
Cave 11. The entrance to the cave, located very near to Cave 3, had fallen in,
so it could not be seen, which is why it had gone unnoticed in earlier searches.
As in Cave 1, a certain number of manuscripts were recovered in a good state
of preservation. This only resulted in complicating the haggling with Kando
needed to acquire them, as well as increasing the price which the Palestine
Archaeological Museum was forced to pay to acquire them. In the end, acquisi-
tion was possible thanks to the contributions from the American School of
Oriental Research (asor) and the ‘Koninlijke Nederlandse Akademie van
Wetenschappen’ (knaw, the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences). Both institu-
tions received in return the right to publish the texts acquired. In this way the
American School of Oriental Research obtained three biblical manuscripts: a
copy of the psalms,49 a copy of Leviticus in palaeo-Hebrew script,50 and a
xliv
INTRODUCTION
scroll in such bad condition that it was not possible to retrieve from it more
than a few fragments with traces of a copy of Ezekiel.51 The knaw were
awarded three other scrolls (an Aramaic translation of the Book of Job,52 a
scroll with apocryphal psalms [liQsAp"] and another scroll with a description
of the ‘New Jerusalem’ in such bad condition that it has been possible to rescue
only a few fragments from an outside protuberance53). They were also awarded
another series of fragments originating from different manuscripts, most of
which have already been published.54 But for the Temple Scroll, the longest
and best preserved of all the manuscripts found in this cave, the price de-
manded was so high that acquisition proved impossible. The situation changed
drastically with the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem and of Bethlehem in 1967.
The day after the occupation, Y. Yadin, who had previously wanted to buy the
manuscript through middlemen, proceeded to confiscate it. The Government
of Israel confiscated the manuscript without further ado, although after the war
it ended up granting to the antiquary payment of more than $100,000 for the
scroll. Ten years later there appeared the superb edition of this important
text55 which was over 8 metres long, the longest of any found in the Qumran
caves.
INTRODUCTION
xlv
hi The dispute over authenticity and antiquity
The interest aroused by the discoveries of the Qumran manuscripts was im-
mense, right from the start. This interest was provoked for reasons which are
easy to understand. The mere fact that they were biblical texts or connected
with the bible, that they were actually found on biblical soil and were not less
than two thousand years old, placed them in a unique position. Since the dis-
coveries included many biblical manuscripts copied at a time prior to the for-
mation of the canon and the standardization of the biblical text, and before the
work of the Masoretes, to study them would allow the process of development
and fixing of the biblical text to be known It would also assist in checking or
correcting the great mediaeval codices which are the foundation of our Hebrew
bibles.
Given, too, that the manuscripts included a large number of extra-biblical
compositions, they would fill a huge gap in our knowledge of pre-Christian
Jewish literature. It is true that part of this literature was known, owing to
translations preserved in a wide range of languages, but there were no original
manuscripts. A cursory look at the material which provides the foundation for
the historical dictionary of the Academy of the Hebrew Language for the years
100 bce to 70 CE,56 shows that almost all the literary texts in Hebrew for this
period derive from the Qumran finds. The same applies to Aramaic texts,
also.57 The new discoveries, in providing us with part of pre-Christian Jewish
literature in Hebrew and Aramaic, promised to close the existing gap between
Biblical and Mishnaic Hebrew and between the Aramaic of Elephantine and
Targumic Aramaic.
In addition, and for the first time, we would own a whole range of religious
compositions which had reached us directly, absolutely devoid of any later
interference. Since the texts had been preserved at the fringes of conventional
life, they reached us free from the restraints of censorship. To a large extent
Jewish censorship had suppressed religious literature which did not comply
with rabbinic orthodoxy; Christian censorship would have assimilated some of
these works, but after modifying them for their own purposes.
Since the new manuscripts stem from Palestine and are earlier in date than
the destruction of Jerusalem, study of them promises to resolve the complex
history of the country at this critical time. Also, since this time is a period of
development both for Christianity and for Rabbinic Judaism, the new texts will
make the background, origins and development of these two important reli-
gions intelligible.
However, this very intrinsic interest of the new texts immediately unleashed
a bitter conflict over whether they were genuine. Although today this conflict
is no more than a curiosity of the past, it is useful to rehearse briefly the atti-
tudes w hich marked the history of research into these manuscripts in the first
decades after their discovery.
xlvi
INTRODUCTION
It was natural, of course, that the apparition of the first manuscripts was
received with a degree of mistrust over whether they were genuine and really
old. The preservation of manuscripts as old as these was not believed possible,
and there have been a great number of forgeries throughout history. The very
secrecy and uncertainties shrouding the discoveries could only increase misgiv-
ings.
Although most of the scholarly community assumed an enthusiastic attitude,
already by 1949 there was no lack of opinion stating emphatically that they
were recent forgeries. According to S.Zeitlin, the manuscripts had been writ-
ten by the Karaites in the Middle Ages, in an attempt to assume distinguished
forbears. They came from the Karaite synagogue in Cairo and had been hidden
in the caves shortly before they were discovered.58 Archaeological excavation
under scientifically controlled conditions of the caves in which they were
found, and fragments of manuscripts which belonged to the same texts ac-
quired from the bedouin, provided a formal refutation of the accusations of
forgery and fraud. Likewise, analysis of the pottery excavated provided proof
of the antiquity of the texts connected with them, since it was difficult for this
pottery to be later than the first century. The conclusive proof concerning date
was given by analysis using the method known as Carbon 14. The cloths which
had been used to wrap the manuscripts were analysed in this way in 1950, and
the result given was a date up to the year 33 of the 1st century ce.59 In 1956 a
charred palm-tree balk found during excavation of the Khirbet underwent the
same analysis, providing a date of up to 16 CE.60 It is true that the margins of
error available by this method in the fifties were still large (about 200 years in
the first instance and some 80 years in the second). However it did establish the
date of the cloths between 1 68 bce and 233 ce, eliminating conclusively the
likelihood of recent forgeries.
The analytical method by progressive shrinkage of the parchment fibres
according to their antiquity was applied to uninscribed fragments from both
Qumran and Murabbacat. It proved that the first were relatively older than the
second. Since the latter were dated to the 2nd century ce, the dating of the
former to the 1st century ce was established/11
The same date in the first century (ce) was established by analysis of the
biblical texts found in the caves and from their divergences from the biblical
texts found in Murabbacat and Nahal Hever. The second group presented a
biblical text virtually identical with the Masoretic text. The biblical texts from
Qumran, however, still reflect in a very clear manner the textual fluidity prior
to the final fixed form and for that very reason were earlier.
This first century ce date for the manuscripts, however, still did not com-
pletely exclude their origin to be either the Zealots or Judaeo-Christian.
The first theory was maintained by C. Roth,62 G. R. Driver63 and others. In
essence, both Roth and Driver equated the leading figures in the history of the
INTRODUCTION
xlvii
Qumran community with the leading figures of the Jewish revolt against Rome.
They suggested dating the manuscripts to the second half of the first century
CE and in the first half of the second century ce, the same period as the New
Testament writings.
The second theory was maintained in the fifties by J. L. Teicher64 and has
been revived quite recently by B. E. Thiering65 and R. Eisenman.66 The dis-
crepancies in detail between these writers are remarkable, and so are the indi-
viduals with whom they identify the principal characters. (The Teacher of
Righteousness would be Jesus and the Wicked Priest, Paul; or the Teacher of
Righteousness would be John the Baptist, the Wicked Priest, Jesus of Naza-
reth; the Teacher of Righteousness would be the apostle James, the Wicked
Priest Ananias, and the Man of Lies, Paul). However, common to all these
theories is denial of the conclusions reached by archaeological investigation,
which infers that all the manuscripts were deposited in the caves (and by the
same token, were written) prior to the destruction of Khirbet Qumran in 68 ce.
Above all, these theories deny the conclusions from palaeographic analysis of
the manuscripts. This shows that they were all copied between the third cen-
tury bce and the final quarter of the ist century ce. In particular, the proof
from palaeography used in dating the manuscripts has been the target of attack
and disagreement.
At the start of analysis of the Qumran manuscripts, Hebrew palaeography
for ancient times had not advanced very much, for lack of comparative mate-
rial. In actual fact, it amounted to no more than W. F. Albright’s detailed analy-
sis of the Nash Papyrus in 1937.67 His analysis had succeeded in dating this
text by means of comparing its script with the forms of letters in inscriptions
on stone of the period, and it had caused Trever to acknowledge as ancient the
first manuscripts which the American School was offered. The avalanche of
new material, some of which, like the Samaria papyri and the contracts and
letters from Murabbacat were actually dated, enabled a typology of the evolu-
tion of the different kinds of script between the 4th c bce and the 3rd ce to be
drawn up for the first time. This work was undertaken initially by S. A.
Birnbaum,hs and much more comprehensively and exactly by N. Avigad69 and
F. M. Cross.70 The results led to establishing the date on which a manuscript
was copied with margins of error of about 25 years. However, it was a new field
of research, with results which were difficult to check objectively. (In order to
make an analysis by means of the Carbon 14 method it was necessary to use
between 1 and 3 grams of carbon. This entailed destroying a significant part of
each manuscript). Accordingly, the attacks by Thiering and by Eisenman in
particular focused on the dates suggested for the different manuscripts, since
these totally exclude their interpretation. Luckily, the discovery of a new tech-
nique in 198771 (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) reduced the amount of mate-
rial needed to be destroyed for analysis using the Carbon 14 method to 0.5- 1.0
xlviii
INTRODUCTION
milligrams of carbon. The method could now be applied directly to the manu-
scripts to establish whether the dates put forward by the palaeographers were
correct or not. In i99°> this new technique was used on 14 manuscripts. Four
contained dates (a papyrus from Samaria, a contract from Wadi Seiyal, a deed
of sale from Murabbacat and an Arabic letter from Khirbet Mird), eight manu-
scripts came from Qumran which the palaeographers had dated between the
second half of the 2nd century bce and the first half of the 1st century ce, and
two others stemmed from Masada.72 The results of this analysis have com-
pletely substantiated the method of dating by palaeography.73 This new analysis
has shown that not one of the manuscripts from Qumran and Masada was cop-
ied after 68 ce. It has also shown that the much earlier dates ascribed to some
manuscripts by the palaeographers were completely vindicated. In all the sam-
ples analysed, the palaeographic date falls within the date margins reached by
the analytical methods. /+ These latest analytical techniques eliminate once and
for all the theories of a Zealot or Jewish-Christian origin for the manuscripts.
The manuscripts found in the Qumran caves can now be regarded as ancient
and genuine beyond any kind of doubt.
INTRODUCTION
xlix
iv A sectarian library
If the reader scans attentively the ‘List of Qumran manuscripts’, located at the
end of this book, he cannot fail to realize that in spite of the high number of
compositions it reflects, the contents as a whole are surprisingly uniform. If
you append a separate section in which to place all the manuscripts which are
copies of the various biblical books, all the remaining texts could easily be con-
tained in any one of the chapters making up this book. It comprises only reli-
gious literature, with no room for ‘secular’ literature. The reader will find there
neither purely historical works nor scientific works. The compositions closest
to this category, such as the calendars or the astronomical works included in
chapter 8, (as well as 4 QBrontologion), are pervaded by clear religious purposes
and have been written and preserved for liturgical reasons, or for the ordering
of religious life. Even when within some works ‘scientific’ details are included
(such as the list of trees in 4 QEnoch, or the explanation for the circulation of
the blood in one copy of 4 qd) the religious purpose of these details is always
to be found in the foreground. It is not, in fact, a library in the modern mean-
ing of the term, i.e., a store for all the knowledge of a period, but is instead a
specifically religious library. And since, among the works it contains, a signifi-
cant number can be classified as representing sectarian theology and customs,
we can describe this library as a sectarian library.
All the manuscripts found in the caves belong to the same library, as be-
comes evident from the following facts. The collection of topics found in each
cave (to the extent that the texts could be salvaged) has the same general out-
line:75 biblical works, associated religious literature, sectarian works. The very
same apocryphal and sectarian compositions have been retrieved from different
caves. Several manuscripts found in different caves were copied by the same
scribe.
It is not a private library, as is apparent from the high number of works it
contains and also because (at least in Caves 1, 2, 4 and 11) different copies of
the same composition, whether biblical or extra-biblical texts, have been found.
This library belonged to a group of people with their central community in
the ruins of Qumran, as has been adequately established by archaeological ex-
cavations. These show the pottery found both in the caves and in the ruins to
be identical, differing completely from other Palestinian pottery of the period.
The proof that this group of people was a sect comes from the subject matter
of certain works widely represented in the library. These compositions exhibit
a halakhah which differs from the rest of Judaism. They also follow a calendar
which is different from the current calendar76 and include new theological ap-
proaches. In addition they exhibit clearly a tightly structured community with
a hierarchical organization, the members of which considered themselves to be
different from others, to have isolated themselves from the rest of contemporary
1
INTRODUCTION
Judaism. What is even more significant, it is a community forbidding and
avoiding any contact with non-members.
It is obvious that not all the manuscripts found in the caves originate from
Qumran. Although many of the biblical manuscripts seem to have been copied
in the scriptorium of the community, and some have even been copied by the
same scribes who also copied other sectarian works, no-one has ever thought
of ascribing a Qumranic origin to any of the biblical texts. The same applies to
specific non-biblical works, the oldest copies of which are much earlier than
the settlement of the group in Qumran. In fact the same is true of some sectar-
ian works, known in a ‘Qumranic’ edition but with a long history of develop-
ment that seems to demand for some of its elements an origin prior to the exis-
tence of the community as such. Several other compositions offer no typical
features which enable their origin to be determined with certainty. However,
due to the separatist nature of the community, the mere fact of belonging to
the group library convinces us that the community considered them to be basi-
cally in agreement with its principles, with its halakhah and even with its ten-
ets. The spectrum of ideas reflected in these works seems to have caused no
more problems than the variety of ideas present within the books of the bible.
In view of the exclusive nature of the community and the reiterated ban on
relations with ‘the others’ it is hardly surprising that among the abundance of
compositions preserved, not one has been found which could be judged as
epitomising the thought, the halakhah or the traditions of a counter- group, even
for the purposes of argument or rebuttal. Clearly, a group that persisted for
centuries could not have maintained a monolithic uniformity throughout its
whole history. It must have undergone intense development in its theology, its
halakhah and in its very organization. And, indeed, in the different texts or in
the various editions of a single work, there are numerous hints of this develop-
ment. However, perusal of all the manuscripts recovered has not succeeded in
bringing to light any composition which dissents from the basic principles, the
calendar or the halakhah of the group. The wide variety that can be observed
is always kept within specified limits. This allows us to conclude that all the
works which were retrieved belong to the longer history of the sect. Or else
they were kept because the sect saw in them confirmation of their prehistory,
of the religious movements which influenced their development and nourished
their origins, forming part of the legacy within which, as in the various biblical
books, the sect identifies itself.
This global view of the discoveries has recently been questioned in various
studies by N. Golb.77 In his view it is apparently implausible that Jewish litera-
ture of the period could have been irretrievably lost, while the library of a sec-
tarian group could have fallen into our hands. Wishing to recover vanished
treasure, Golb is resolved to suppress any connection between the manuscripts
INTRODUCTION
li
from the caves and the group which lived in the area around the ruins. He
claims that these manuscripts stem from various libraries in Jerusalem and
therefore represent the rich literary activity of Judaism at that time.78 However,
such conjectures do not take into account the solid data gained from archaeo-
logical excavation, nor do they explain the uniform content of the texts found.
They do not explain, either, the typical lack of any work which could represent
halakhah or the ideas of the Pharisees, ideas which were to be prevalent in Ju-
daism after 70 ce It achieves no more than shift to Jerusalem and make even
more difficult the resolution of the problems which the manuscripts display.
Since I have given a detailed rebuttal of the Golb’s arguments in other publi-
cations,79 there is no need to emphasize the matter. It might appear to be an
irony of history that we possess a very great deal more information concerning
a small group of fanatical separatists, who lived in seclusion in the middle of
the desert than we do concerning the many well-stocked libraries which there
must undoubtedly have been in Jerusalem. However, at heart this irony is no
more astounding than the fact that we possess more documentary data concern-
ing the tiny Jewish colony set up in Elephantine than we do of Western learn-
ing which at one time was housed in the library of Alexandria. The luck of
discovery has no regard for the logic of our own interests. Yet the fortuitous
nature of the discovery of the manuscripts does not undermine the conclusion
that what we have retrieved comprises the remains of the former library of the
Qumran community.
Ill
INTRODUCTION
V Identity and origins of the Qumran community
Granted that the manuscripts retrieved stem from the library of a sectarian
group, the first requirement in providing them with a specific historic back-
ground is to establish which group in particular they came from. This group
(or groups) is denoted by various names in the manuscripts: yahad (commu-
nity), cedah (assembly), etc. Its members are called ‘sons of Zadok’, ‘sons of
light’, ‘members of the New Covenant’, ‘poor’, ‘simple’, ‘devout’, ‘the Many’,
etc. In other words, the epithets to be found in the actual manuscripts do not
provide us with the opportunity of identifying easily the group to which the
library belonged with any one of the sectarian groups which, as far as we know,
existed. It follows that the method which all scholars have been obliged to
adopt, Is to compare all the data known through other sources concerning the
existing groups within the Judaism of the period, with the profile of the group
that can be extrapolated from the various manuscripts. This task is not without
risks. It is easy to favour one or other of the elements found, considered, per-
haps, as central, making secondary all other aspects which are difficult to fit,
and so distort the picture to emerge. However, the procedure has had positive
results which can be regarded as well established.
In the first place, it has shown that the Qumran community cannot possibly
be identified with the Zealots of the Jewish-Christian community since neither
the chronological outline nor the resulting profile fits.
Second, it has determined that of the three best-known groups of Judaism
in the mid-second century bce until the time of the destruction of Qumran in
68 CE (the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the Essenes), the group most closely
resembling the Qumran group is indeed the Essenes. Furthermore, the similar-
ities between what classical sources tell us about the Essenes80 and the informa-
tion provided by the manuscripts are so close, that it would be impossible to
deny a strong connection between the Qumran group and the Essenes.8'
This connection is usually understood as a simple equation between the
elements in question: Essenes = Qumran group. However, this equation is im-
possible.82 The genuine parallels do require a connection between the two enti-
ties, but there are differences between them of such a nature as to preclude
them being identical. The information on the Essenes provided by classical
sources is correct in describing the Essene movement as very extensive, even
nationwide. Its members did not live segregated from the rest of Judaism but
instead were found distributed in every city of the land. To reduce Essenism
to a peripheral oddity such as Qumran would be to leave unexplained non-
Qumranic Essenism, a wider and more significant phenomenon than the phe-
nomenon of Qumran.
It is possible to account for the undeniable similarities and the differences,
which are just as valid, by invoking another form of connection between the
INTRODUCTION
liii
two groups.83 The Qumran manuscripts make constant reference to a split, a
fundamental division, which occurred in the initial stages of the group. They
even tell us that the founder of the Qumran community, the Teacher of Right-
eousness, as well as the Man of Lies, his rival in this clash, had previously be-
longed to the same community. They also tell us that in the conflict between
them both, only a tiny minority sided with the Teacher of Righteousness. The
best way to make sense of the undeniable connection that existed between the
Essene movement and the Qumran community, is to accept that the Qumran
community arose specifically on account of a rift caused within the Essene
movement to which the founder-members belonged. This proposal comprises
one of the essential elements of the ‘Groningen Hypothesis’,84 which best ex-
plains the known facts in their entirety, both in respect of the Essenes and in
respect of the Qumran community.
In this hypothesis, the origins of the Essene movement and the origins of the
Qumran community are quite separate. Essenism, in the form that can be in-
ferred from classical information concerning the Essenes, and from Essene
compositions preserved in the Qumran library, is a Palestinian affair, which has
its ideological roots within apocalyptic tradition.85 This tradition flourished in
Palestine towards the end of the 3rd century and during the 2nd century bce,
and would continue its own development up to the period of the revolt against
Rome. (Flavius Josephus, for example, mentions Judas the Essene who taught
in the Temple at the time of Aristobulos [115-104 bce] and Menahem who
worked in the court of Herod the Great [37-4 bce]. Also, Simon the Essene
who prophesied at the close of Archaelaus’ reign [4 bce to 6 CE]. He also men-
tions John the Essene, who was entrusted with the governorship of the prov-
ince of Zama during the war against Rome, led the first attack on Ashkelon,
and died in that battle in 66 ce.) From the works written during the period of
development prior to establishment in Qumran, from documents of this period
belonging to patently sectarian works, and from later works which refer ex-
pressly to the founding period, it can be deduced that the Qumran community,
instead, has its origins in a rift which occurred within the Essene movement.
This rift was to cause those siding with the Teacher of Righteousness to set
themselves up with him in the desert, until 130 bce.
Study of these documents enables us to conclude that the key controversies
within the Essene movement during the period of formation of the Qumran
sect, and which eventually caused the rift, focused on the matter of the calen-
dar and the resulting organization of the cycle of feasts. Of particular concern
was a certain way of interpreting biblical legislation concerning the temple,
worship, and the purity of persons and of objects.86 This special halakhah is
based on the Teacher of Righteousness being aware of having received through
divine revelation the correct interpretation of the biblical text. It is also based
on his followers seeing this interpretation as revealed and binding.87 This
liv
INTRODUCTION
awareness of having received revelation would induce the Teacher of Righ-
teousness to proclaim the end of time as imminent, the awareness of divine
selection and predestination, the inadequacy of the temple and current wor-
ship, etc., In addition he was led to suggest a whole string of special halakhot
conditioning daily life, and attempt to force the practice of this interpretation
on all the members of the Essene movement. The rejection of these pretensions
by the majority of the members of the Essene movement, and their disapproval
of this halakhah, were to end in forcing the group of the Teacher of Righteous-
ness and his disciples to retreat to the isolation of the wilderness.
INTRODUCTION
lv
vi The history of the Qumran community
The texts that have been found enable us to sketch with relative certainty the
ideological reasons for the rift which gave rise to the Qumran community.
They are much more sparing when it comes to providing us with exact details
of the actual circumstances in which the break occurred, and of later develop-
ments over the 200 years that the community existed. From the manuscripts,
little more can be ascertained than a broad historical outline. It establishes the
time for God’s ‘visitation’ at about 390 years from the exile, and the advent of
the Teacher of Righteousness as twenty years later. Further, particular enemies
can be equated with the Pharisees and Sadducees There is an enigmatic allu-
sion to Alexander Jannaeus and his execution of 800 Pharisees who had sought
the intervention of Demetrius in Eucarios. The external enemy (the Kittim)
can be identified as the Romans. The most frequent references, which also
provide the best hope for making a connection between the history of the com-
munity and official history, are to the ‘Wicked Priest’ in the Habakkuk Pesher.
He is said to be the highest power in the land and at one stage he would perse-
cute the Teacher of Righteousness and his community in their desert retreat.
These references, though, continue to be useless, since the mass of features
attributed to this person could not fit any of the High Priests of the 2nd cen-
tury BCE.
On this topic, too, the ‘Groningen Hypothesis’ has succeeded in providing
a solution. This solution is in agreement with all the details of the texts, fits in
with the time-limits demanded by the excavations of the Khirbet, and estab-
lishes the chronology for the development of the initial stages of the history of
the community. In essence, this part of the hypothesis88 surmises that the title
‘Wicked Priest’ is not a nickname assigned to the High Priest. Instead, it is a
honorary title applied to the various Hasmonean High Priests, from Judas
Maccabaeus to Alexander Jannaeus, following an exact chronological sequence.
This obviates the need for assigning to a single person all the different and
contradictory features asserted of the ‘Wicked Priest’. It also provides a histori-
cal framework within which can be fitted the earliest history of the community.
The hypothesis allows us to understand the positive estimation of Judas
Maccabaeus, when he first took up office and his later condemnation, once he
was installed. It enables us to reject identifying the movement from which the
Qumran group originates with the Hasidim of the Maccabaean revolt because
of Alcimo’s condemnation. We can determine that the formative period of the
community covers, at least, the high priesthood of both Jonathan and Simeon,
two of the ‘Wicked Priests’ with whom the Teacher of Righteousness was in
dispute. Also, we can determine that this formative period is distinguished not
only by the development of belief within the Essene movement, already re-
ferred to, but equally by the confrontations with the political and religious
lvi
INTRODUCTION
power of Jerusalem. In addition, that the first group of supporters of the
Teacher of Righteousness comprised priests from circles close to power. This
hypothesis shows us that the rift within the Essenian movement and the retreat
to the wilderness of the group faithful to the Teacher of Righteousness, took
place during the long high priesthood of John Hyrcanus, who tracked down the
Teacher of Righteousness to his retreat. It dates the death of the Teacher of
Righteousness during the same pontificate of John Hyrcanus, since no connec-
tion is made between him and the following ‘Wicked Priest’, Alexander
Jannaeus. This hypothesis, in conclusion, allows us to place the first edition of
1 QpHab in the final years of the life of Alexander Jannaeus. We can see how
the community succeeded in solving the problem of the delay in the onset of
the ‘end of time’ and the destruction of all the wicked, expected some 40 years
after the death of the Teacher of Righteousness.
Of the later history of the community we know very little. Archaeology tells
us of a brief abandonment of the buildings at Khirbet Qumran and of a return
there. Successive editing of the texts shows us some of the alterations effected
within them, changes to the community structures as well as development of
theological beliefs. However, it is not possible to make a historical connection
between these ‘exiles in the desert’ and the tortuous history of Palestine in the
1st century bce and the 1st century ce. The Qumran group became less and
less interested in the transformations of history, in order to focus their energy
on study of the Law, and to follow it in accordance with their own interpreta-
tion. Only the events of the founding generation seem to have been assumed
into a view of their own history, which also belongs to sacred history. In the
solitude of the wilderness, the community was to withdraw into itself increas-
ingly. Prayer was to replace temple sacrifice. The requirements of purity were
to be emphasized to reach a level enabling communion with the world of an-
gels. The whole life of the community would be stamped with ardent hope for
the victory of goodness. This hope was to be nourished principally by reading
and studying the sacred texts, as well as compositions emanating from apoca-
lyptic tradition and the Essene movement, and writings composed within the
community itself. These compositions as a whole, the voice and essential main-
stay of the religious life of the community, were to generate a magnificent li-
brary, the remains of which are available here to the interested reader.
INTRODUCTION
lvii
vii Further reading
For a first approach to the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Reader from the Biblical Ar-
chaeology Review , Understanding the Dead Sea Scrolls (New York 1992), edited
by Flershel Shanks, Joseph A.Fitzmyer, Responses to 101 Questions on the Dead
Sea Scrolls (Mahwah, N.J. 1992), and James C. VanderKam, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Today (Grand Rapids 1994) could be very useful.
Standard Introductions in English, although somewhat dated, are the follow-
ing: M. Burrows, The Dead Sea Scrolls , and More Light on the Dead Sea Scrolls
(New York 1955 and 1958); F. M. Cross, The Ancient Library of Qumran and
Modern Biblical Study (London 1958); J. T. Milik, Ten Years of Discovery in the
Wilderness of Judaea (London 1959); A. Dupont-Sommer, The Essene Writings
from Qumran (Oxford 1961); G. R. Driver, The Judaean Scrolls (Oxford 1965);
G. Vermes, The Dead Sea Scrolls: Qumran in Perspective (London 1977).
More detailed information can be found in the chapter on ‘Qumran Sectarian
Literature’ by D. Dimant, in Michael E. Stone (ed.), Jewish Writings of the Sec-
ond Temple Period (Compendia Rerum Judaicarum n/2)(Philadelphia 1984)
483-550 and in the chapter ‘The Writings of the Qumran Community’ in E.
Schtirer, The History of the Jewish People in the Age of Jesus Christ ( 175 B. C.-A.
D. 135). A New English Version revised and edited by G. Vermes, F. Millar
and M. Goodman. Volume ill. 1 (Edinburgh 1986) 380-469.
Notes to the Introduction
lx notes pages xxxi-xxxiii
1 F. M. Cross, ‘The Discovery of the Samaritan Papyri’, ba 26 (1963) 110-121;
-‘Papyri of the Fourth Century bc from Daliyeh: A Preliminary Report on
Their Discovery and Significance’ in D. N. Freedman and J. C. Greenfield,
(eds.) New Directions in Biblical Archaeology (Garden City 1971) 48-31;- ‘A
Report on the Samaria Papyri’, in J. A. Emerton, (ed.), xii Congress of the toso r
(Leiden 1988) = Congress Volume Jerusalem 1986.
2 Paul and Nancy Lapp, Discoveries in the Wadi ed-Daliyeh (aasor 41; Missoula
1974)-
3 F. M. Cross, ‘Samaria Papyrus 1: An Aramaic Slave Conveyance of 335 bce
found the in Wadi ed-Daliyeh’, ei 18 (1985) 7-17.
4 For a complete description of all the manuscripts as well as references concern-
ing publication see the ‘List of manuscripts from Qumran’ at the end of this
book. '
5 A frag, of Gn with traces of Gn 47 : 7-1 1; a frag, of Lv with traces of Lv 4:3-9
and a copy of Pss. On this last ms see G. W. Nebe, ‘Die Masada-Psalmen-
Handschrift m 1039-160 nach einem jiingst veroffentlichten Photo mit Text
von Psalm 81 : 2-85 : 6’, rq 14/53(1989) 89-97.
6 Y\adin, The Ben Sira Scroll from Masada: With Introduction, Emendations and
Commentary (Jerusalem 1965) [Hebrew],
7 C. Newsom and Y. Yadin, ‘The Masada Fragment of the Qumran Songs of the
Sabbath Sacrifice’, iej j, 4 (1984) 77-88.
8 Some of these fragments have been published by S. Talmon, ‘Fragments of the
Scrolls from Masada’, ei 20 (1989) 278-286.
9 Only two volumes in the series Masada reports have appeared: Yigael Yadin and
Joseph Naveh, Masada I: The Aramaic Coins of Masada (The Yigael Yadin
Excavations 1963-1965: Final Reports) (Jerusalem 1989) and Hannah Cotton
and Joseph Geiger, Masada II: The Latin and Greek Documents (The Yigael
Yadin Excavations 1963-1965: Final Reports) (Jerusalem 1989).
10 Y. Yadin, ‘The excavation of Masada- 1963/64: Preliminary Report’, iej 15
(1965) 1-120, esp. 81-82, 103-114.
11 P. Benoit, J. T. Milik and R. de Vaux, Les Grottes de Murahba1 at (Discoveries
in the Judaean Desert 11) (Clarendon Press, Oxford 1961).
12 An extensive preliminary report of both campaigns was published in iej 11
0961) 3~72 and IEJ 12 (1962) 167-262, and of the excavation of the ‘Cave of
Letters’ the definitive report: Y. Yadin, The Finds from the Bar Kokhba Period
in the Cave of Letters (Judaean Desert Studies) (Hebrew University /Israel Ex-
ploration Society, Jerusalem 1963).
13 Y. Yadin, ‘Expedition D-The Cave of Letters’, iej 12 (1962) 235-248.
H H.J.Polotsky, ‘The Greek Papyri from the Cave of Letters’, iej 12 (1962)258-
262.
*5 H.J. Polotsky, ‘Three Greek Documents from the Family Archive of Babatha’,
ei 8 (1967) 46-5 1 [in Hebrew] and N. Lewis, R. Katzoff, J. C. Greenfield, ‘Papy-
notes pages xxxiii-xxxiv lxi
rus Yadin 18’, iej 37 (1987) 229-250.
16 The Documents from the Bar-Kokhba Period in the Cave of Letters. Greek Papyri
edited by N. Lewis. Aramaic and Nabataean Signatures and Subscriptions ed-
ited by Y. Yadin and J. C. Greenfield (Judaean Desert Studies 11) (Jerusalem
1989).
17 Described and published in part by Y. Yadin, 'The Expedition o’, iej 1 1 (1961)
40-52. Two of the Greek papyri were published by B.Lifshitz, ‘Papyrus grecs
du desert de ]\idz\Aegyptus 42 (1962) 240-256. A large part of the Hebrew and
Aramaic papyri can be found transcribed and commented on in E. Y. Kutscher,
‘The Languages of the Hebrew and Aramaic Letters of Bar Kokhba and His
Contemporaries’ [in Hebrew] Lesh 25 (1960-61) 117-133; 26 (1961-62) 7-23.
18 Described and published provisionally by Y. Yadin, ‘Expedition D-The Cave
of Letters’, iej 12 (1962) 248-257.
19 See Y. Yadin, Bar-Kohkba. The Rediscovery of the Legendary Hero of the Second
Jewish Revolt against Rome (Weidenfield & Nicolson London 1971).
20 Y. Aharoni, ‘Expedition B-The Cave of Horror’, iej 12 (1962) 186-199; B.
Lifshitz, ‘The Greek Documents from the Cave of Horror’, iej 12 (1962) 201-
207.
21 B. Lifshitz, ‘The Greek Documents from the Cave of Horror’, iej 12 (1962)
201-207. The same applies to the Nabataean contract published by J. Starcky,
‘Un contrat nabateen sur papyrus’, rb 61 (1954) 161-181, identified by Y.
Yadin, ‘Expedition D-The Cave of the Letters’, iej 12 (1962) 229 as coming
from Nahal Hever.
22 E. Tov, The Greek Minor Prophets Scroll from Nahal Hever (8HevXIIgr) (The
Seival Collection i/Discoveries in the Judaean Desert vm) (Oxford 1990).
23 Some of the documents in this collection have been published provisionally:
the Nabataean contract cited in note 21, edited by J. Starcky; J. T. Milik, ‘Un
contrat juif de l’an 134 apres J.-C.’, rb 61 (1954) 182-190; J. T. Milik, ‘Deux
documents inedits du Desert de Juda’, Bib 38 (1957) 245-268.
24 A certain number of these documents have also been published in provisional
form: B. Lifshitz, ‘The Greek Documents from Nahal Seelim and Nahal
Mishmar’, iej 11 ((1961) 11-24; M. Broshi-E. Qimron, ‘A House Sale Deed
from Kefar Baru from the Time of Bar Kohkba’, /£y 36 (1986) 201-214; Jonas
Greenfield has given a general description of the material as yet unpublished:
‘The Texts from Nahal Se’elim (Wadi Seiyal)’ in: J. Trebolle Barrera and L.
Vegas Montaner (eds.), The Madrid Qumran Congress. Proceedings of the Interna-
tional Congress on the Dead Sea Scrolls (Stjd, 1 1) (Leiden/Madrid 1992) 661-
665.
25 P. Bar Adon, ‘Expedition c’, iej 11 (1961) 25-35; B.Lifshitz, ‘Three Greek
Documents from Nahal Seelim and Nahal Mishmar’, iej 11 (1961) 59-60.
26 Only a few' have been published: J. T. Milik, ‘Une inscription et une lettre en
arameen christo-palestinien’, rb(so (1953) 526-539; C. Perrot, ‘Un fragment
Ixii notes pages xxxiv-xxxviii
christo-palestinien decouvert a Khirbet Mird’, rb 70 (1963) 506-555; A.
Grohman, Papyri from Khirbet el-Mird (Bibliotheque du Museon 52)
(Louvain 1963).
27 E. L. Sukenik, The Dead Sea Scrolls of the Hebrew University (Jerusalem 1955)
13-17; M. Burrows, The Dead Sea Scrolls (London 1956) 3-69; J. C.Trever, The
Dead Sea Scrolls. A Personal Account (Grand Rapids 1977) (an expanded version
of his The Untold Story of Qumran of 1965); A. Y. Samuel, Treasure of Qumran.
My Story of the Dead Sea Scrolls (London 1968). Other information is to be
found in the articles published by Burrows, Brownlee and Trever in various
issues of the Biblical Archeologist and of basor for 1948 and 1949 as well as in
/f <? from 1961 to 1964.
28 See, for example, the chapter ‘Discovering the Scrolls’ by H. T. Frank in H.
Shanks, (ed.), Understanding the Dead Sea Scrolls (New York 1992) 4-19, or the
more recent and detailed account by H. Stegemann, Die Essener, Qumran ,
Johannes der Taufer und Jesus. Ein Sachbuch (Spektrum 4249) (Freiburg 1993).
29 M. Burrows with the assistance of J. C. Trever and W. H. Brownlee, The Dead
Sea Scrolls of St. Mark 's Monastery. Volume 1: The Isaiah Manuscript and the
Habakkuk Commentary (New Haven 1950).
30 M. Burrows with the assistance of J. C. Trever and W. H. Brownlee, The Dead
Sea Scrolls of St. Mark’s Monastery. Volume 11. Fascicle 2: Plates and Tran-
scription of the Manual of Discipline (New Haven 1951). The first annotated
translation of the text by W. H. Brownlee, The Dead Sea Manual of Discipline
(basor Supplementary Studies 10-12) (New Haven 1951) appeared simulta-
neously.
31 E. L. Sukenik, c Ozar ham-megilot hagenuzot (Jerusalem 1954); English version:
The Dead Sea Scrolls of the Hebrew University (Jerusalem 1955).
32 N. Avigad and Yigael Yadin,^ Genesis Apocryphon. A Scroll from the Wilderness
of Judaea (Jerusalem 1956).
33 The articles by the American team in ba and basor-. J. C. Trever, ‘The Dis-
covery of the Scrolls’, ba 11 (1948) 46-57; -‘Preliminary Observations on the
Jerusalem Scrolls’, basor 111 (1948) 3-i6;-‘A Palaeographic Study of the
Jerusalem Scrolls’, basor 113 (1949) 6-23; -‘Variant Readings in the Isaiah
Manuscript’, basor 111 (1948) 16-24; 113 (1948)24-31; W.H. Brownlee, ‘The
Jerusalem Habakkuk Scroll’, basor 1 12 (1948) 8-18 as well as the first volume
by E. L. Sukenik, Megilloth Genuzoth (Jerusalem 1950).
34 D. Barthelemy and J. T. Milik, Discoveries in the Judaean Desert I: Qumran Cave
1 (Oxford 1955). The photographic reproduction of manuscripts iqj 1-772 did
not appear until 1966: J. C. Trever, ‘Completion of the Publication of Some
Fragments from Qumran Cave 1’, rq 5 (1964-66) 323-344, PI. i-vii.
35 R. de Vaux, ‘Fouilles au Khirbet Qumran: Rapport preliminaire’, RBbo (1953)
83-106;-, ‘Fouilles au Khirbet Qumran: Rapport preliminaire sur la deuxieme
campagne’, rb 61 (1954) 206-236; - ‘Chronique archeologique: Khirbet
notes pages xxxviii-xliii
lxiii
Qumran’,y?B6i(i954)567-568;-‘Chroniquearcheologique:KhirbetQumran’,
RB 63 (1956) 73-74.
36 Published in 1961: R. de Vaux, L’archeologie et les manuscripts de la Mer Morte
(London 1961) and in considerably revised form in the English translation of
197 3 '.Archaeology and the Dead Sea Scrolls (London 1973).
37 The same conclusion is reached by E. M. Laperrousaz in his detailed analysis
of the archaeological evidence: Qumran. L’etablissement essenien au bord de la
Mer Morte (Paris 1976) and in his contribution on archaeology in the collective
article Qumran in the Supplement au Dictionaire de la Bible 51, cols. 744-789.
38 See my study: ‘Origenes del movimiento esenio y origenes qumranicos. Pistas
para una solucion’ in V. Collado-Bertomeu and V. Villar-Hueso (eds.), II
simposio biblio espanol (valencia-cordoba 1987) 527-556, esp. 535-539.
39 The reader will find a summary of the history of Palestine for this whole period
in my contribution to the history and institutions of the biblical people from
alexander the great to bar kohkba, in the collective work la biblia en su entorno
(estella 1990) 241-334.
40 R. de Vaux, ‘fouilles de feshka: rapport preliminaire’, J?s66 (1959) 223-255 and
archaeology and the dead sea scrolls , 60-87.
41 J. B. Humbert, Tespace sacre a qumran. Propositions pour l’archeologie’, rb
101 (1954) 161-214.
42 M. Baillet, j. T. Milik and r. de vaux, discoveries in the desert of jordan III: Les
‘Petites Grottes' de Qiimrdn (Oxford 1962).
43 Discoveries in the Judaean Desert VI: Qumran Grotte 4 II: Archeologie, par R.
de Vaux. u. Tefillin, Mezuzot et Targums (4Q128-4Q157) par J.T. Milik (Ox-
ford 1977) 3-5.
44 After his death his share of the manuscripts was assigned to E. Puech, who had
collaborated with Starcky in the preparation of these texts for many years.
45 John M. Allegro, with the cooperation of A. A. Anderson, Qumran Cave 4. I
(4Q158-4Q186) (Discoveries in the Judaean Desert of Jordan v) (Oxford 1969).
It comprises an edition which can only be used if the hundred pages of correc-
tions provided by John Strugnell, ‘Notes en marge du Volume V des “Discov-
eries in the Judaean Desert of Jordan’”, rq 7 (1970) 163-276 are taken into
account.
46 M. Baillet, Qumran Grotte 4.III (4Q482-4Q530) (Discoveries in the Judaean
Desert vii) (Oxford 1982).
47 The reader will find the appropriate references in the ‘List of manuscripts
from Qumran’ at the end of this book.
48 In addition to djd v, vi and vii, quoted already, the first volume of the biblical
texts allotted to Skehan has been published: P. W. Skehan, E. Ulrich, J.
Sanderson, Qumran Cave 4. IV ( Palaeo-Hebrew and Greek BibhcalManuscripts)
(djd ix; Oxford 1992). The second volume of Skehan’s lot and the first by
Cross are forthcoming.
lxiv
notes pages xliii-xlvi
49 Published byj. A. Sanders, The Psalms Scroll of Qumran Cave 11 (iiqPs“) (Dis-
coveries in the Judaean Desert of Jordan iv) (Oxford 1965).
50 Published by D. N. Freedman and K. A. Mathews, with a contribution by R. S.
Hanson, The Paleo-Hehrew Leviticus Scroll (1 lQpaleLev) (asor 1985).
51 W. H. Brownlee, ‘The Scroll of Ezekiel from the Eleventh Qumran Cave’, r q
4 (1963-64) 11-28, PI. ii-iii.
52 Published by J. P. M. van der Ploeg and A . S. van der Woude, with the col labo-
ration of B.Jongeling, Le targum de fob de lagrotte xide Qumran (Leiden 1971).
53 Published by J. P. M. van der Ploeg, ‘Un petit rouleau de psaumes apocryphes
(liQPsAp3)’, Tradition und Glaube , 128-139, P*s- n-vn, and by F. Garcia
Martinez, ‘The Last Surviving Columns of iiqnj’, The Scriptures and the
Scrolls, 178-192, pis. 3-9.
54 See the pertinent references in the ‘List of manuscripts from Qumran’ at the
end of this book.
55 Y. Yadin, Megillat ham-Miqdash. The Temple Scroll [in Hebrew] (three volumes
with a supplement) (Jerusalem 1977). The et appeared in 1983.
56 Materials for the Dictionary. Series I. 200 BCE- 300 ce. The Academy of the
Hebrew Language. Historical Dictionary of the Hebrew Language, Jerusalem
1988 [Microfiche].
57 The Aramaic texts are assembled in K. Beyer, Die aramdischen Texte vom Toten
Meer samt den Inschriften aus Palastina , dem Testament Levis aus der Kairoer
Genisa, Der Fastenrolle und den alten talmudischen Zitaten (Gottingen 1984).
58 S. Zeitlin, ‘A Commentary on the Book of Habakkuk: Important Discovery or
Hoax?’, jqr 39 (1949) 235-247;-, The Dead Sea Scrolls and Modern Scholarship
(JQRMS 3) (Philadelphia 1956).
58 O. R. Seller, ‘Radiocarbon dating of Cloth from the cAin Feshka Cave’, basor
123 (1951) 24-26.
60 F. E. Zeuner, ‘Notes on Qumran’, peq 92 (i960) 27-36. The date given by
Zeuner is the year 66 ce since he adds to the date attained about 50 years for
the average life of a palm-tree, but, as E. M. Laperrousaz points out, this addi-
tion is unnecessary since what Carbon 14 (the Carbon 14 test) determines is the
date when the tree was cut down. See E. M. Laperrousaz, ‘La datation des
objets provenant de Qumran, en particulier la methode utilisant les proprietes
du Carbone 14’ in M. Delcor, (ed.), Qumran. Sa piete, sa theologie et son milieu
(betl 46) (Paris/Leuven 1978) 55-60.
61 D. Burton, J. B. Poole and R. Reed, ‘A New Approach to the Dating of the
Dead Sea Scrolls’, Nature 184 (1959) 533-534.
62 C. Roth, The Historical Background of the Dead Sea Scrolls (Oxford 1958).
63 In his important book Thefudaean Scrolls. The Problem and a Solution (Oxford
1965) and in subsequent articles, where he attempts to refute the objections
raised against him: ‘Myths of Qumran’, a l uos 6 ( 1966-68) 23-40 and ‘Mythol-
ogy of Qumran’, jqr 71 (1970) 241-281.
NOTES PAGES xlvi-1
lxv
64 J. L. Teicher, ‘The Dead Sea Scrolls -Documents of the Jewish-Christian Sect
of Ebionites’, //S2 (1951) 67-99;-, ‘The Damascus fragments and the Origin
of the Jewish Christian Sect’,//52 (1951) 115-143;-, ‘The Teaching of the
pre-Pauline Church in the Dead Sea Scrolls’, jjs \ (1953) 1-13, etc.
65 B. E. Thiering, Redating the Teacher of Righteousness (Sydney 1979);-, The Gos-
pels and Qumran. A Netp Hypothesis (Sydney 198 1); - The Qumran Origins of the
Christian Church (Sydney 1983).
66 R. Eisenman, Maccabees, Zadokites, Christians and Qumran (Leiden 1983) and
fames the fust in the Habakkuk Pesher (Leiden 1986).
67 W. F. Albright, ‘A Biblical Fragment from the Maccabaean Ages: The Nash
Papyrus’, jbl 56 (1937) 145-176.
68 S. A. Birnbaum, The Qumran (Dead Sea) Scrolls and Palaeography (basor
Supp. Studies 13-14; New Haven 1952);-, The Hebrew Script (Leiden 1971).
69 N. Avigad, ‘The Palaeography of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Documents’
in C. Rabin and Y. Yadin (eds.), Aspects of the Dead Sea Scrolls (Scripta
Hierosolymitana iv; Jerusalem 1958) 56-87.
70 F. M. Cross, ‘The Development of the Jewish Scripts’ in G. E. Wright (ed.),
The Bible and the Ancient Near East. Essays in Honor of William Foxwell Albright
(Garden City 1965) 170-264.
71 W. Wolfi, ‘Advances in Accelerator Mass Spectrometry’, Nucl. Instrum Meth.
B29 (1987) 1-13.
72 The inclusion of dated manuscripts (a fact unknown to those making the analy-
sis) was for the purpose of checking the accuracy of the technique used.
73 See G. Bonani, M. Broshi, I. Carmi, S. Ivy, J. Strugnell and W. Wolfi, ‘Radio-
carbon Dating of the Dead Sea Scrolls’, cAtiqot 20 (1991) 27-32.
74 The only exception is the manuscript of the Aramaic Testament of Qahat , for
which the Carbon 14 method ascribes a date much earlier than that attributed
to it by the palaeographers. Specimens of this manuscript, cleaned by ultra-
sound, yield dates earlier by about 350 years than specimens of the same manu-
scripts cleaned chemically, which seems to suggest that the leather became very
contaminated by the chemicals used to clean it. This contamination could ex-
plain that in this case the date established by the Carbon 14 method (between
388 and 353 bce) is almost 200 years earlier than the date ascribed to it by
palaeographers.
75 Cave 7 is a special case. All the manuscripts recovered from it are in Greek, and
to the extent to which they can be identified, they all comprise biblical material.
76 This calendar is to be found as part of several copies of such typical sectarian
works as iqs or 4QMMT, is followed consistently in compositions such as
tiQTemple , and is implicit in works such as lQpHab, and its organization, its
effects and the fact that it was revealed are all made explicit in works such as
CD and fubilees.
77 N. Golb, ‘The Problem of Origin and Identification of the Dead Sea Scrolls’,
lxvi
NOTES pages li-liii
paps 124 (1980) 1-24;-, ‘Who Hid the Dead Sea Scrolls?’, BA 28 (1987) 68-82;
‘Les manuscrits de la Mer Morte: Une nouvelle approche du probleme de
leur origin C.Annales £SC40 (1987) 1133-1149;-, ‘Who Wrote the Dead Sea
Scrolls?’, The Sciences 27 (1987) 40-49;-, ‘The Dead Sea Scrolls’, The American
Scholar 58 (1989) 177-207; ‘Khirbet Qumran and the Manuscripts of the
Judaean Wilderness: Observations on the Logic of Their Investigation’, jnes
49 (1990) 103-114.
78 Although expressed independently, this theory of Golb’s does little except
revive the old and deservedly abandoned hypothesis of K. H. Rengstorf, Hirbet
Qumran und die Bibliothek vom Toten Meer (Studia Delitzschiana 5; Stuttgart
i960), which conjectured that the manuscripts in question came from the Tem-
ple in Jerusalem, and were hidden in the caves for reasons of safekeeping dur-
ing thfe revolt against Rome.
79 In F. Garcia Martinez and A. S. van der Woude, ‘A “Groningen” Hypothesis
of Qumran Origins and Early History’, in F. Garcia Martinez (ed.), The Texts
of Qumran and the History of the Community. Vol. ///(Paris 1990) 521-554.
80 This information has been collected in A. Adam and C. Burchard, Antike
Berichte iiher die Essener (Berlin 19722) and in G. Vermes and M. D. Goodman,
The Essenes According to the Classical Sources (Sheffield 1989).
81 These similarities are to be found both in respect of the structure of the com-
munity-prominence of the priestly aspect, admission procedures for members,
property in common, preference for celibacy, communal meals, etc. - and in
religious belief- predestination (determinism), severe rules for purity, sabbath
observance, forswearing of oaths, importance of study of the Law, etc. and
even particular points of halakhah ostensibly insignificant, but for that very
reason even more telling such as the refusal to use oil or the ban on spitting in
the Council. See the summary of parallels drawn up by A. Dupont-Sommer,
Les Ecrits esseniens decouverts pres de la Mer Morte (Paris 19834) 5 1-80 or by G.
Vermes, The Dead Sea Scrolls. Qumran in Perspective (Philadelphia 1981) 116-
136 or the detailed references by T. S. Beall, Josephus 's description of the Essenes
illustrated by the Dead Sea Scrolls (sntsm 58; Cambridge 1988). H. Stegemann,
‘The Qumran Essenes - Local Members of the Main Jewish Union in Late
Second Temple Times’ in J. Trebolle Barrera, L. Vegas Montaner (eds.), The
Madrid Qumran Congress , 83-166 have gone so far as to identify the Qumran
Essenes with what he calls ‘the main Jewish Union’, the leading group of Pales-
tinian Judaism.
82 In my contribution to the ‘Simposio biblico de Cordoba’, 1985: ‘Origenes del
movimiento esenio y origenes qumranicos. Pistas para una solucion’, cited
above, n. 38.
83 See my study ‘Essenisme qumranien: origines, caracteristiques, heritage’ in B.
Chiesa (ed.), Correnti culturali e movimenti religiosi de! Giudaismo (Testi e Studi
5; Rome 1987) 37-57.
NOTES PAGES li-lv
lxvii
84 First advanced at a congress organized by the Polish Academy of Science in
Mogilany, in 1987: F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Qumran Origins and Early History:
A Groningen Hypothesis’, fo 25 (1988) 113-136.
85 See my book Qumran and Apocalyptic. Studies on the Aramaic Texts of Qumran
(STDJ 9; Leiden 1992). For a summary view of the connections between the
Qumran manuscripts and apocalyptic, see my contribution ‘La Apocaliptica y
Qumran’ in II Simposio Biblico Espanol , 603-613.
86 I have discussed some of these topics in detail in ‘El Rollo del Templo y la
halaka sectaria’ in N. Fernandez Marcos, J. Trebolle Barrera and J. Fernandez
Vallina (eds.), Simposio Biblico Espanol (Madrid 1984) 611-622 and in ‘II
problema della purita: la soluzione qumranica’ in G. L. Prato, (ed.), Israele alia
ricerca di identita tra il III sec. a. C. e il sec. I d. C. (Ricerche storico bibliche 1;
Bologna 1989) 169-191.
87 See my study ‘Profeet en profetie in de geschriften van Qumran’ in F. Garcia
Martinez, C. H.J. de Geus and A. F. J. Klijn, (eds.), Profeten en profetische
geschriften (Kampen/Nijkerk 1987) 119-132.
88 Set out in the article by A. S. van der Woude, ‘Wicked Priest or Wicked
Priests? Reflections on the Identification of the Wicked Priest of the Habakkuk
Commentary’, jsj 33 (1982) 349-359. My contribution to this part of the
‘Groningen Hypothesis’ is confined to proving that the title ‘Wicked Priest’
could equally have been applied to Judas Maccabaeus, ‘Judas Macabeo,
sacerdote impio? Notas al margen de lQpHab vm, 8-13’ in A. Caquot, S.
Legasse and M. Tardieu (eds.), Melanges btbliques et orientaux en Vhonneurde M.
Mathias Dehor (aoat 215; Kevelaer/Neukirchen-Vluyn 1985) 169-181.
Rules
2
RULES
This chapter contains those texts which can be called ‘Rules’, texts that serve
to establish the group or groups for which they are intended. These writings
are not restricted to listing specific regulations concerning the way of life to be
followed by the group, to describing the internal hierarchical organization, to
setting out disciplinary procedures or how to associate with those who are not
members of the sect. They include, in fact, much else besides: theological es-
says, meditations on biblical history, exegetical commentaries, recommenda-
tions on moral issues, and even unmistakably liturgical topics. This unique
literary form, previously unknown in ancient Judaism, was to develop exten-
sively within early Christianity and in later monastic communities. These
‘Rules’ are unquestionably the most typical of all the documents from the
Qumran library.
The two principal texts of this chapter, the Rule of the Community and the
Damascus Document, clearly show the marks of the continual revision they have
undergone over a long period before reaching the form shown in the best pre-
served manuscripts. Both documents are composites, and the various copies
recovered give us an idea of the different shapes in which these ‘Rules’ were
moulded. Close analysis of these different forms will make it possible to sketch
the development and changes which the group (or groups) experienced, of
those for which they were intended for different periods, and to establish the
connections among these groups.
Reasons of space preclude setting out the fragments of the various copies of
each document in synoptic form, using parallel columns. Several of these cop-
ies comprise separate versions, but its is impossible to determine whether all
the elements preserved in the different copies were at one time present in a
single text. Accordingly, it is not feasible to offer a composite version, as a re-
construction of a hypothetical master text, from the material preserved in the
different manuscripts.
IQS I I-25
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
3
1 The Rule of the Community
A The Cave 1 Copy
tQRule of the Community (tQS)
Col. 1 1 For [the Instructor. [book of the Rul)e of the Community: in order
to 2 seek God [with all (one’s) heart and with all (one’s) soul; in order] to do
what is good and just in his presence, as 3 commanded by means of the hand
of Moses and his servants the Prophets; in order to love everything 4 which he
selects and to hate everything that he rejects; in order to keep oneself at a dis-
tance from all evil, 5 and to become attached to all good works; to bring about
truth, justice and uprightness 6 on earth and not to walk in the stubbornness
of a guilty heart and of lecherous eyes 7 performing every evil; in order to wel-
come into the covenant of kindness all those who freely volunteer to carry out
God’s decrees, 8 so as to be united in the counsel of God and walk in perfection
in his sight, complying with all g revealed things concerning the regulated times
of their stipulations; in order to love all the sons of light, each one w according
to his lot in God’s plan, and to detest all the sons of darkness, each one in ac-
cordance with his blame 11 in God’s vindication. All those who submit freely
to his truth will convey all their knowledge, their energies, 12 and their riches
to the Community of God in order to refine their knowledge in the truth of
God’s decrees and marshal their energies 13 in accordance with his perfect
paths and all their riches in accordance with his just counsel. They shall not
stray from any one 1 4 of all God’s orders concerning their appointed times;
they shall not advance their appointed times nor shall they retard 15 any one of
their feasts. They shall not veer from his reliable precepts in order to go either
to the right or to the left. 16 And all those who enter in the Rule of the Com-
munity shall establish a covenant before God in order to carry out 1 7 all that he
commands and in order not to stray from following him for any fear, dread or
grief 18 that might occur during the dominion of Belial. When they enter the
covenant, the priests ig and the levites shall bless the God of salvation and all
the works of his faithfulness and all 20 those who enter the covenant shall re-
peat after them: ‘Amen, Amen’. Blank 21 Blank The priests shall recite the just
deeds of God in his mighty works, 22 and they shall proclaim all his merciful
favours towards Israel. And the levites shall recite 23 the sins of the children of
Israel, all their blameworthy transgressions and their sins during the dominion
of 24 Belial. [And all] those who enter the covenant shall confess after them and
they shall say:
«We have acted sinfully,
25 [we have transgressed,
4
RULES
IQS I 25 - II 14
we have si]nned, we have acted irreverently,
we and our fathers before us,
inasmuch as we walk
26 [in the opposite direction to the precepts] of truth and justice
[...] his judgment upon us and upon our fathers;
Col. 11 1 but he has showered on us his merciful favour
for ever and ever»
And the priests will bless all 2 the men of God’s lot who walk unblemished in
all his paths and they shall say:
«May he bless you with everything good,
3 and may he protect you from everything bad.
May he illuminate your heart with the discernment of life
and grace you with eternal knowledge.
4 May he lift upon you the countenance of his favour
for eternal peace».
And the levites shall curse all the men of 5 of the lot of Belial. They shall begin
to speak and shall say:
«Accursed are you for all your wicked, blameworthy deeds.
May he (God) hand you over to dread
6 into the hands of all those carrying out acts of vengeance.
7 Accursed, without mercy,
for the darkness of your deeds,
and sentenced
8 to the gloom of everlasting fire.
May God not be merciful when you entreat him,
nor pardon you when you do penance for your faults.
g May he lift the countenance of his anger to avenge himself on you,
and may there be no peace for you
in the mouth of those who intercede)).
10 And all those who enter the covenant shall say, after those who pronounce
blessings and those who pronounce curses: «Amen, Amen».
1 1 Blank And the priests and the levites shall continue, saying:
«Cursed by the idols which his heart reveres
12 whoever enters this covenant
leaving his guilty obstacle in front of himself
to fall over it.
13 When he hears the words of this covenant,
he will congratulate himself in his heart, saying:
‘I will have peace,
14 in spite of my walking in the stubbornness of my heart’.
However, his spirit will be obliterated,
IQS II 14 — III 10
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
5
the dry with the moist, mercilessly.
75 May God’s anger and the wrath of his verdicts
consume him for everlasting destruction.
16 May all the curses of this covenant
stick fast to him.
May God segregate him for evil,
and may he be cut off from the midst of all the sons of light
because of his straying from following God
77 on account of his idols and his blameworthy obstacle.
May he assign his lot with the cursed ones for ever».
18 And all those who enter the covenant shall begin speaking and shall say after
them: «Amen, Amen». Blank 79 Blank They shall act in this way year after year,
all the days of Belial’s dominion. The priests shall enter 20 the Rule foremost,
one behind the other, according to their spirits. And the levites shall enter after
them. 27 In third place all the people shall enter the Rule, one after another, in
thousands, hundreds, 22 fifties and tens, so that all the children of Israel may
know their standing in God’s Community 23 in conformity with the eternal
plan. And no-one shall move down from his rank nor move up from the place
of his lot. 24 For all shall be in a single Community of truth, of proper meek-
ness, of compassionate love and upright purpose, 25 towards each other in the
holy council, associates of an everlasting society. And anyone who declines to
enter [the covenant of Go]d in order to walk in the stubbornness of his heart
shall not [enter the Comjmunity of his truth, since
Col. in 7 his soul loathes the restraints of knowledge of just judgment. He has
not remained constant in the transformation of his life and shall not be counted
with the upright. 2 His knowledge, his energy and his wealth shall not enter the
council of the Community because he ploughs] in the slime of irreverence and
there are stains 3 on his conversion. He shall not be justified while he maintains
the stubbornness of his heart, since he regards darkness as paths to light. In the
source of the perfect 4 he shall not be counted. He will not become clean by the
acts of atonement, nor shall he be purified by the cleansing waters, nor shall he
be made holy by the seas $ or rivers, nor shall he be purified by all the water of
the ablutions. Defiled, defiled shall he be all the days he spurns the decrees
6 of God, without allowing himself to be taught by the Community of his
counsel. For, by the spirit of the true counsel concerning the paths of man all
7 his sins are atoned so that he can look at the light of life. And by the spirit of
holiness which links him with his truth he is cleansed of all 8 his sins. And by
the spirit of uprightness and of humility his sin is atoned. And by the compli-
ance of his soul with all the laws of God his flesh 9 is cleansed by being sprin-
kled with cleansing waters and being made holy with the waters of repentance.
May he, then, steady his steps in order to walk with perfection 10 on all the
6
RULES
IQS III 10-1V 7
paths of God, conforming to all he has decreed concerning the regular times
of his commands and not turn aside, either left or right, nor u infringe even
one of his words. In this way he w ill be admitted by means of atonement pleas-
ing to God, and for him it w ill be the covenant 12 of an everlasting Community.
Blank 13 Blank For the wise man, that he may inform and teach all the sons of
light about the history of all the sons of man, 14 concerning all the ranks of
their spirits, in accordance with their signs, concerning their deeds and their
generations, and concerning the visitation of their punishment and 15 the mo-
ment of their reward. From the God of knowledge stems all there is and all
there shall be. Before they existed he made all their plans 16 and when they
came into being they will execute all their works in compliance with his in-
structions, according to his glorious design without altering anything. In his
hand are 17 the laws of all things and he supports them in all their needs. He
created man to rule 18 the world and placed within him two spirits so that he
would walk with them until the moment of his visitation: they are the spirits
of truth and of deceit. 20 In the hand of the Prince of Lights is dominion over
all the sons of justice; they walk on paths of light. And in the hand of the An-
gel 21 of Darkness is total dominion over the sons of deceit; they walk on paths
of darkness. Due to the Angel of Darkness 22 all the sons of justice stray, and
all their sins, their iniquities, their failings and their mutinous deeds are under
his dominion 23 in compliance with the mysteries of God, until his moment;
and all their punishments and their periods of grief are caused by the dominion
of his enmity; 24 and all the spirits of their lot cause the sons of light to fall.
However, the God of Israel and the angel of his truth assist all 25 the sons of
light. He created the spirits of light and of darkness and on them established
all his deeds 26 [on their pjaths all his labours <and on their paths [all] his
[labours.]). God loved one of them for all
Col. iv f eternal ages and in all his deeds he takes pleasure for ever; of the other
one he detests his advice and hates all his paths forever. Blank 2 Blank These are
their paths in the world: to enlighten the heart of man, straighten out in front
of him all the paths of justice and truth, establish in his heart respect for the
precepts 3 of God; it is a spirit of meekness, of patience, generous compassion,
eternal goodness, intelligence, understanding, potent wisdom which trusts in
all 4 the deeds of God and depends on his abundant mercy; a spirit of knowl-
edge in all the plans of action, of enthusiasm for the decrees of justice, 5 of holy
plans with firm purpose, of generous compassion with all the sons of truth, of
magnificent purity which detests all unclean idols, of unpretentious behaviour
6 with moderation in everything, of prudence in respect of the truth concerning
the mysteries of knowledge. These are the counsels of the spirit for the sons
of truth in the world. And the visitation of whose who walk in it will be for
healing, 7 plentiful peace in a long life, fruitful offspring with all everlasting
IQS IV 7-25
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
7
blessings, eternal enjoyment with endless life, and a crown of glory 8 with ma-
jestic raiment in eternal light. Blank 9 Blank However, to the spirit of deceit
belong greed, frailty of hands in the service of justice, irreverence, deceit, pride
and haughtiness of heart, dishonesty, trickery, cruelty, 10 much insincerity,
impatience, much insanity, impudent enthusiasm, appalling acts performed in
a lustful passion, filthy paths for indecent purposes, u blasphemous tongue,
blindness of eyes, hardness of hearing, stiffness of neck, hardness of heart in
order to walk in all the paths of darkness and evil cunning. And the visitation
12 of those who walk in it will be for a glut of punishments at the hands of all
the angels of destruction, for eternal damnation for the scorching wrath of the
God of revenge, for permanent error and shame 13 without end with the humil-
iation of destruction by the fire of the dark regions. And all the ages of their
generations they shall spend in bitter weeping and harsh evils in the abysses of
darkness until 14 their destruction, without there being a remnant or a survivor
among them. Blank 75 Blank In these lies the history of all men; in their (two)
divisions all their armies have a share by their generations; in their paths they
walk; every deed 16 they do falls into their divisions, dependent on what might
be the birthright of the man, great or small, for all eternal time. For God has
sorted them into equal parts until the 1 7 last day and has put an everlasting
loathing between their divisions. Deeds of injustice are an abhorrence to truth
and all the paths of truth are an abhorrence to injustice. There exists a violent
18 conflict in respect of all his decrees since they do not walk together. God, in
the mysteries of his knowledge and in the wisdom of his glory, has determined
an end to the existence of injustice and on the occasion 19 of his visitation he
will obliterate it for ever. Meanwhile, truth shall rise up forever in the world
which has been defiled in paths of wickedness during the dominion of injustice
until 20 the time appointed for judgment. Meanwhile, God will refine, with his
truth, all man’s deeds, and will purify for himself the configuration of man,
ripping out all spirit of injustice from the innermost part 21 of his flesh, and
cleansing him with the spirit of holiness from every irreverent deed. He will
sprinkle over him the spirit of truth like lustral water (in order to cleanse him)
from all the abhorrences of deceit and from the defilement 22 of the unclean
spirit. In this way the upright will understand knowledge of the Most High,
and the wisdom of the sons of heaven will teach those of perfect behaviour.
For these are those selected by God for an everlasting covenant 23 and to them
shall belong all the glory of Adam. There will be no more injustice and all the
deeds of trickery will be a dishonour. Until now the spirits of truth and of
injustice feud in the heart of man 24 and they walk in wisdom or in folly. In
agreement with man’s birthright in justice and in truth, so he abhors injustice;
and according to his share in the lot of injustice he acts irreverently in it and
so 25 abhors the truth. For God has sorted them into equal parts until the ap-
pointed end and the new creation. He knows the result of his deeds for all
8
RULES
IQS IV 25-V 15
times 26 [everlasting and has given them as a legacy to the sons of men so that
they know good [and evil], so they decide the lot of every living being in com-
pliance with the spirit there is in him [at the time of] the visitation.
Col. v 1 Blank This is the rule for the men of the Community who freely volun-
teer to convert from all evil and to keep themselves steadfast in all he prescribes
in compliance with his will. They should keep apart from 2 men of sin in order
to constitute a Community in law and possessions, and acquiesce to the author-
ity of the sons of Zadok, the priests who safeguard the covenant and to the
authority of the multitude of the men 3 of the Community, those who perse-
vere steadfastly in the covenant. By its authority, decision by lot shall be made
in every affair involving the law, property and judgment, to achieve together
truth and humility, 4 justice and uprightness, compassionate love and seemly
behaviour in all their paths. No-one should walk in the stubbornness of his
heart in order to go astray following his heart 5 and his eyes and the musings
of his inclination. Instead he should circumcise in the Community the foreskin
of his tendency and of his stiff neck in order to lay a foundation of truth for
Israel, for the Community of the eternal 6 covenant. They should make atone-
ment for all who freely volunteer for holiness in Aaron and for the house of
truth in Israel and for those being entered together for the Community for the
lawsuit and for the judgment. 7 They should proclaim as guilty all those who
sabotage the decree. These are the regulations of behaviour concerning all these
decrees when they are enrolled in the Community. Whoever enters the council
of the Community 8 enters the covenant of God in the presence of all who
freely volunteer. He shall swear with a binding oath to revert to the Law of
Moses with all that it decrees, with whole g heart and whole soul, in compliance
with all that has been revealed concerning it to the sons of Zadok, the priests
who keep the covenant and interpret his will and to the multitude of the men
of their covenant 10 who freely volunteer together for this truth and to walk
according to his will. He should swear by the covenant to be segregated from
all the men of sin who walk u along paths of irreverence. For they are not
included in his covenant since they have neither sought nor examined his de-
crees in order to learn the hidden matters in which they err ,2 by their own
fault and because they treated revealed matters with disrespect; this is why
wrath will rise up for judgment in order to effect revenge by the curses of the
covenant, in order to administer fierce 13 punishments for everlasting annihila-
tion without there being any remnant. Blank He should not go into the waters
to share in the pure food of the men of holiness, for they have not been
cleansed 14 unless they turn away from their wickedness, for it is unclean
among all the transgressors of his word. No-one should associate with him in
his work or in his possessions in order not to encumber him 1 5 with blamewor-
thy sin; rather he should remain at a distance from him in every task, for it is
IQS V 15-VI 8
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
9
written as follows: ‘You shall remain at a distance from every lie’. None of the
men 16 of the Community should acquiesce to his authority in any law or regu-
lation. No-one should eat of any of his possessions, or drink or accept anything
from his hands, 17 unless at its price, for it is written: ‘Shun the man whose
breath is in his nostrils, for how much is he worth?’ For 18 all those not num-
bered in his covenant will be segregated, they and all that belongs to them. No
holy man should support himself on any deed of tg futility, for futile are all
those who do not know the covenant. And all those who scorn his word he shall
cause to vanish from the world; all his deeds are uncleanness 20 before him and
there is uncleanness in all his possessions. And when someone enters the cove-
nant to behave in compliance with all these decrees, enrolling in the assembly
of holiness, they shall test 21 their spirits in the Community (discriminating)
between a man and his fellow, in respect of his insight and of his deeds in law,
under the authority of the sons of Aaron, those who freely volunteer in the
Community to set up 22 his covenant and to follow all the decrees which he
commanded to fulfil, and under the authority of the majority of Israel, those
who freely volunteer to return within the Community to his covenant. 23 And
they shall be recorded in the Rule, each one before his fellow, according to his
insight and his deeds, in such a way that each one obeys his fellow, junior un-
der senior. 24 And their spirit and their deeds must be tested, year after year,
in order to upgrade each one to the extent of his insight and the perfection of
his path, or to demote him according to his failings. Each should reproach
25 his fellow in truth, in meekness and in compassionate love for the man. Blank
No-one should speak to his brother in anger or muttering, 26 or with a hard
[neck or with passionate] spiteful intent and he should not detest him [in the
stubbornness] of his heart, but instead reproach him that day so as not
Col. Vi 1 to incur a sin for his fault. And in addition, no-one should raise a mat-
ter against his fellow in front of the Many unless it is with reproof in the pres-
ence of witnesses. In this way 2 shall they behave in all their places of resi-
dence. Whenever one fellow meets another, the junior shall obey the senior in
work and in money. They shall eat together, 3 together they shall bless and
together they shall take counsel. In every place where there are ten men of the
Community council, there should not be a priest missing amongst them. 4 And
when they prepare the table to dine or the new wine 5 for drinking, the priest
shall stretch out his hand as the first to bless the first fruits of the bread {or the
new wine for drinking, the priest shall stretch out his hand as the first 6 to bless
the first fruits of the bread} and of the new wine. And in the place in which the
Ten assemble there should not be missing a man to interpret the law day and
night, 7 always, each man relieving his fellow. And the Many shall be on watch
together for a third of each night of the year in order to read the book, explain
the regulation, 8 and bless together. Blank This is the Rule for the session of the
10
RULES
IQS VI 8-26
Many. Each one by his rank: the priests will sit down first, the elders next and
the remainder of 9 all the people will sit down in order of rank. And following
the same system they shall be questioned with regard to the judgment, the
counsel and any matter referred to the Many, so that each can impart his wis-
dom 10 to the council of the Community. No-one should talk during the speech
of his fellow before his brother has finished speaking. And neither should he
speak before one whose rank is listed 11 before his own. Whoever is questioned
should speak in his turn. And in the session of the Many no-one should utter
anything without the consent of the Many. And if the 12 Examiner of the
Many prevents someone having something to say to the Many but he is not in
the position of one who is asking questions to the Community council, 13 that
man should stand up and say: ‘I have something to say to the Many’. If they
tell him to, he should speak. And to any in Israel who freely volunteers 14 to
enrol in the council of the Community, the Instructor who is at the head of the
Many shall test him with regard to his insight and his deeds. If he suits the
discipline he shall introduce him 13 into the covenant so that he can revert to
the truth and shun all sin, and he shall teach him all the precepts of the Com-
munity. And then, when he comes in to stand in front of the Many, they shall
be questioned, 16 all of them, concerning his duties. And depending on the
outcome of the lot in the council of the Many he shall be included or excluded.
If he is included in the Community council, he must not touch the pure food
of 17 the Many while they test him about his spirit and about his deeds until
he has completed a full year; neither should he share in the possession of the
Many. 18 When he has completed a year within the Community, the Many will
be questioned about his duties, concerning his insight and his deeds in connec-
tion with the law. And if the lot results in him ig joining the foundations of the
Community according to the priests and the majority of the men of the cove-
nant, his wealth and his belongings will also be included at the hands of the
20 Inspector of the belongings of the Many. And they shall be entered into the
ledger in his hand but they shall not use them for the Many. He must not
touch the drink of the Many until 21 he completes a second year among the
men of the Community. And when this second year is complete he will be
examined by command of the Many. And if 22 the lot results in him joining the
Community, they shall enter him in the Rule according to his rank among his
brothers for the law, for the judgment, for purity and for the placing of his
possessions in common. And his advice will be 23 for the Community as will
his judgment. Blank 24 Blank And these are the regulations by which they shall
judge him in the scrutiny of the Community depending on the case. If one is
found among them who has lied 25 knowingly concerning goods, he shall be
excluded from the pure food of the Many for a year and shall be sentenced to
a quarter of his bread. And whoever retorts to 26 his fellow with stubbornness
and speaks with brusqueness, ruining the footing he has with him, defying the
IQS VI 26-VII 22
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
11
authority of his fellow who is enrolled ahead of him, 27 he has taken the law
into his own hands; he will be punished for a year [. . . J Whoever enunciates the
Name (which is) honoured above all [. . .]
Col. vii / whether blaspheming, or overwhelmed by misfortune or for any other
reason, {. . .} or reading a book, or blessing, will be excluded 2 and shall not go
back to the Community council. And if he has spoken angrily against one of
the priests enrolled in the book, he will be punished 3 for a year and shall be
excluded, under sentence of death, from the pure food of the Many. However,
if he had spoken unintentionally, he will be punished for six months. And who-
ever lies knowingly 4 shall be punished for six months. Whoever knowingly and
for no reason insults his fellow will be punished for a year 5 and will be ex-
cluded. And whoever speaks to his fellow with deception or knowingly deceives
him, will be punished for six months. And if 6 Blank he is /negligent/ to his
fellow he will be punished for three months. However, if he is negligent with
the possessions of the Community achieving a loss, he shall replace them {. . .}
7 in full. Blank 8 Blank g Blank 10 And if he does not manage to replace them, he
will be punished for /sixty days/. And whoever feels animosity towards his
fellow for no cause will be punished for {six months} /a year/. 11 And likewise
for anyone retaliating for any reason. Whoever utters with his mouth futile
words, three months; and for talking in the middle of the words of his fellow,
12 ten days. And whoever lies down and goes to sleep in the session of the
Many, thirty days. And the same applies to whoever leaves the session of the
Many 13 without cause, or falls asleep up to three times during a session shall
be punished ten days; however, if . . . Blank 14 and he withdraws, he shall be
punished for thirty days. And whoever walks about naked in front of his fellow,
without needing to, shall be punished for three months. 13 And the person who
spits in the course of a meeting of the Many shall be punished thirty days. And
whoever takes out his ‘hand’ from under his clothes, or if these are rags
16 which allow his nakedness to be seen, he will be punished thirty days. And
whoever giggles inanely causing his voice to be heard shall be sentenced to
thirty 77 days. And whoever takes out his left hand to gesticulate with it shall
be punished ten days. And whoever goes round defaming his fellow 18 shall be
excluded for one year from the pure food of the Many and shall be punished;
however, w hoever goes round defaming the Many shall be expelled from their
midst ig and will never return. And whoever complains against the foundation
of the Community they shall expel and he will never return; however, if he
complains against his fellow 20 without cause he will be punished six months.
The person whose spirit turns aside from the foundation of the Community to
betray the truth 27 and walk in the stubbornness of his heart, if he comes back,
shall be punished for two years; during the first year he shall not approach the
pure food of the Many. Blank 22 Blank {. . .} And during the second he shall not
12
RULES
IQS VII 22 — VIII l6
approach {. . .} /the drink/ of the Many and shall sit at the back of all the men
of the Community. 23 When the days of the two years are complete the Many
shall be questioned Blank concerning his matter; if they admit him, he shall be
enrolled according to his rank; and later he will be questioned in connection
with judgment 24 {. . . } However, anyone who has been in the Community coun-
cil {...} for ten full years. Blank 25 Blank {...} Blank and whose spirit reverts to
betray the Community and go away from the presence Blank 26 of the Many in
order to walk in the stubbornness of his heart, can never return to the Commu-
nity council. And the person among the men of the Community who
fraternises 27 with him in concerns of purity or goods, who [. . .] the Many, and
his sentence will be like his, he shall be expfelled.]
Col. viii / In the Community council (there shall be) twelve men and three
priests, perfect in everything that has been revealed about all 2 the law to im-
plement truth, justice, judgment, compassionate love and unassuming
behaviour of each person to his fellow 3 to preserve faithfulness on the earth
with firm purpose and repentant spirit in order to atone for sin, doing justice
4 and undergoing trials in order to walk with everyone in the measure of truth
and the regulation of time. When these things exist in Israel 5 the Community
council shall be founded on truth, Blank like an everlasting plantation, a holy
house for Israel and the foundation of the holy of 6 holies for Aaron, true wit-
nesses for the judgment and chosen by the will (of God) to atone for the earth
and to render 7 the wicked their retribution. Blank It (the Community) will be
the tested rampart, the precious cornerstone that does not Blank S /whose foun-
dations do not/ shake or tremble in their place. Blank It will be the most holy
dwelling g for Aaron with total knowledge of the covenant of justice and in
order to offer a pleasant /aroma/; and it will be a house of perfection and truth
in Israel; 10 {...} in order to establish a covenant in compliance with the ever-
lasting decrees. /And these will be accepted in order to atone for the earth and
to decide the judgment of the wicked {...(and there will be no iniquity/. When
these have been established in the foundation of the Community for two full
years /in/ perfect behaviour 11 /they w ill be segregated/ (like) holy ones in the
midst of the council of the men of the Community. And every matter hidden
from Israel but which has been found out by 12 the Interpreter, he should not
keep hidden from them for fear of a spirit of desertion. And w hen these exist
/as a community/ in Israel 13 /in compliance with these arrangements/ they are
to be segregated from within the dwelling of the men of sin to walk to the
desert in order to open there His path. 14 As it is written: «In the desert, pre-
pare the way of ****, straighten in the steppe a roadway for our God». 75 This
is the study of the law which he commanded through the hand of Moses, in
order to act in compliance with all that has been revealed from age to age,
16 and according to what the prophets have revealed through his holy spirit.
IQS VIII 16-IX 11
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
13
And anyone of the men of the Community, the covenant of 17 the Community,
who insolently shuns anything at all commanded, cannot approach the pure
food of the men of holiness, 18 and cannot know anything of their counsels
until his deeds have been cleansed from every depravity, walking on the perfect
path. Then they can include him ig in the council under the authority of the
Many and later they will enrol him according to his rank. And (they shall ap-
ply) this regulation to all who enter the Community. 20 Blank These are the
regulations by which the men of perfect holiness shall conduct themselves,
each with his fellow. 21 All who enter the council of holiness of those walking
along the path of perfection as has been commanded, anyone of them 22 who
breaks one word of the law of Moses impertinently or through carelessness will
be banished from the Community council 23 and shall not go back again; none
of the men of holiness should associate with his goods or his advice on any
24 matter. However if he acted through oversight he should be excluded from
pure food and from the council and the regulation applied to him: 25 «He can-
not judge anyone and no-one should ask his advice for two whole years*. If his
conduct is perfect 26 in them, he may return to the interpretation and to the
council [according to the authority of the Ma]ny, if he has not sinned again
through oversight until two full years have passed. 27 Blank
Col. ix 1 For {...} a sin of oversight, then, he will be punished two years; but
whoever acts impertinently shall not go back again. Only someone who sins
through oversight 2 shall be tested for two full years in respect of his behaviour
and of his counsel according to the authority of the Many and shall then be
enrolled according to his rank in the Community of holiness. 3 Blank When
these exist in Israel in accordance with these rules in order to establish the
spirit of holiness in truth ./ eternal, in order to atone for the fault of the trans-
gression and for the guilt of sin and for approval for the earth, without the flesh
of burnt offerings and without the fats of sacrifice -the offering of 5 the lips in
compliance with the decree will be like the pleasant aroma of justice and the
correctness of behaviour will be acceptable like a freewill offering -at this mo-
ment the men of 6 the Community shall set themselves apart (like) a holy house
for Aaron, in order to enter the holy of holies, and (like) a house of the Com-
munity for Israel, (for) those who walk in perfection. 7 Only the sons of Aaron
will have authority in the matter of judgment and of goods, and their word will
settle the lot of all provision for the men of the Community 8 and the goods of
the men of holiness who walk in perfection. Their goods must not be confused
with the goods of the men of deceit who g have not cleansed their path, with-
drawing from evil and walking on a perfect path. They should not depart from
any counsel of the law in order to walk w in complete stubbornness of their
heart, but instead shall be ruled by the first directives which the men of the
Community began to be taught n until the prophet comes, and the Messiahs
H
RULES
IQS IX 11-X 2
of Aaron and Israel. Blank 12 Blank These are the regulations for the Instructor
by which he shall walk with every living being in compliance with the circum-
stances of every period and in compliance with the worth of each man: 13 he
should fulfil the will of God in compliance with all revelation for every period;
he should acquire all the wisdom that has been gained according to the periods
and the 14 regulation of the period; he should separate and weigh the sons of
Zadok Blank according to their spirits; he should keep hold of the chosen ones
of the period according to his will, as he has commanded; he should carry out
the judgment of each man in accordance with his spirit; he should include each
one according to the purity of his hands and according to his intellect ?6 pro-
mote him. And thus shall be his love and thus shall be his hatred. Blank He
should not reproach or argue with the men of the pit but instead hide the
counsel of the law in the midst of the men of sin. He should reproach (with)
truthful knowledge and (with) just judgment those who choose 18 the path,
each one according to his spirit, according to the circumstances of the time. He
should lead them with knowledge and in this way teach them the mysteries of
wonder and of truth in the midst of ig the men of the Community, so that they
walk perfectly, each one with his fellow, in all that has been revealed to them.
This is the time for making ready the path 20 to the desert and he will teach
them about all that has been discovered so that they can carry it out in this
moment and so they will be detached from anyone who has not withdrawn his
path 21 from all wickedness. And these are the rules of behaviour for the In-
spector in these times, concerning his love and his hatred. Everlasting hatred
22 for the men of the pit in clandestine spirit. To them he should leave goods
and hand-made items like a servant to his master and like one oppressed before
23 someone domineering him. He should be a man enthusiastic for the decree
and for his time, for the day of revenge. He should perform (God’s) will in all
that his hand should tackle 24 and in all that he controls, as he commanded.
And all that happens to him he should welcome freely and be gratified by noth-
ing except God’s will. 25 He should relish all the words of his mouth, wish for
nothing that he has not commanded and be ever alert to the precept of God.
26 [. . .] he shall bless his Creator and in all that transpires [. . . and with the of-
fering] of his lips he shall bless him
Col. x 1 during. Blank the periods which (?) he decreed(?).
At the commencement of the dominion of light,
during its rotation
and when retired to its appointed abode.
At the commencement of the vigils of darkness
2 when he opens his store and stretches them upwards
and in his rotation
and when it retires before the light.
IQS X 2-12
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
15
When the lights of the holy vault shine out
3 when they retire to the abode of glory.
At the entry of the constellation in the days of the new moon
together with their rotations during their stations
4 renewing each other.
It is a great day for the holy of holies,
and an omen Blank of the opening of his everlasting mercies
5 for the beginnings of the constellations in every future age. Blank
At the commencement of the months in their constellations,
and of the holy days in their sequence,
as a reminder in their constellations.
6 With the offering of lips I shall bless you,
in accordance with the decree recorded for ever.
At the commencement of the years and in the gyrations of their constellations,
when the decree of their disposition is carried out,
7 on the prescribed day, one after another;
the constellation of the harvest up to summer,
the constellation of seed-time up to the constellation of the grass,
the constellation of the years up to their seven-year periods.
8 At the commencement of the seven-year periods
up to the moment decided for deliverance.
And in all my existence
it shall be a precept engraved on my tongue
like fruit of eulogy
and the portion of my lips.
9 {...} I will sing with knowledge
and for the glory of God shall all my music be,
the playing of my harp for his holy order,
and the whistle of my lips
I shall tune to its correct measure.
70 At the onset of day and night
I shall enter the covenant of God,
and when evening and morning depart
I shall repeat his precepts;
and while they last
I shall set them as my limit
77 with no backtracking.
His judgment reproaches me in conformity with my delights;
they are before my eyes, like graven laws, my sins.
But to God I shall say: «My justice*,
12 and to the Most High: ((Foundation of my well-being*,
((source of knowing*,
i6
RULES
IQS X 12-20
«spring of holiness*,
«peak of glory*,
«all-powerful one of eternal majesty*.
I shall choose what he teaches me,
ij I shall be pleased in how he might judge me.
When I start to stretch out my hands and my feet
I shall bless his name;
when I start to go out and to come in,
14 to sit and to stand up,
and lying down in my bed
I shall extol him;
I shall bless him with the offering that issues from my lips
15 and before stretching out my hand
to get fat on the tasty fruit of the earth.
At the onset of fright and dismay
and in the place of distress and grief,
16 I shall bless him for (his) great marvels
and shall meditate on his power
and shall rely on his compassion
the whole day.
I realize that in his hand
lies the judgment of every living thing,
iy and all his deeds are truth.
When distress is unleashed
I shall praise him
just as I shall sing to him
for his deliverance.
I shall not repay anyone
with an evil reward;
18 with goodness I shall pursue the man
For to God (belongs) the judgment
of every living being,
and it is he who pays man his wages.
I shall have no enthusiasm for the wicked spirit,
ig and my soul shall not crave wealth by violence
I /shall not be involved/ at all in any dispute
of the men of the pit
/until the day/ of vengeance.
20 However, I shall not remove my anger
from wicked men,
nor shall I be appeased,
until he carries out his judgment.
IQS X 20 — XI 3
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
17
I shall not sustain angry resentment
for someone who converts from transgression,
but I shall have no mercy
21 for all those who deviate from the path.
I shall not comfort the oppressed
until their path is perfect.
I shall not retain Belial within my heart.
From my mouth no vulgarity shall be heard
22 or wicked deceptions;
sophistries or lies
shall not be found on my lips.
The fruit of holiness will be on my tongue,
23 profanity shall not be found on it.
With hymns shall I open my mouth
and my tongue will ever number the just acts of God
and the treachery of men
until their transgression is complete.
24 I shall remove from my lips worthless words,
unclean things and plotting from the knowledge of my heart.
With wise counsel I shall hide /I shall tell of/ knowledge,
25 and with discretion of knowledge I shall enclose him with a solid fence
to maintain faithfulness and staunch judgment
with the justice of God.
26 [I shall share out] the regulation with the cord of the ages
[...] justice and compassionate love with the oppressed,
and to strengthen the hands of the [. . .]
Col. xi 1 understanding of those with a stray spirit
in order to instruct in the teaching those who complain
to reply with meekness to the haughty of spirit,
and with a repentant spirit to the men of the stick,
2 those who point the finger
and speak evil,
and are keen on riches.
As for me, in God is my judgment;
in his hand is the perfection of my path
with the uprightness of my heart;
3 and with his just acts he cancels my sin.
For from the source of his knowledge
he has disclosed his light,
and my eyes have observed his wonders,
and the light of my heart the mystery of the future
i8
RULES
IQS XI 4-13
4 and of the present and of what it is for always.
There is support for my right hand,
the path of my steps goes over firm rock,
it does not waver before anything.
For the truth of God is the rock of my steps,
5 and his might the support of my right hand.
From the spring of his justice is my judgment
and from the wonderful mystery is the light in my heart.
My eyes have observed what always is,
6 wisdom that has been hidden from mankind,
knowledge and understanding (hidden) from the sons of man,
fount of justice and well of strength
7 and spring of glory (hidden) from the assembly of flesh.
To those whom God has selected he has given them
as everlasting possession;
until they inherit them
in the lot of the holy ones.
8 Fie unites their assembly to the sons of the heavens
in order (to form) the counsel of the Community
and a foundation of the building of holiness
to be an everlasting plantation
throughout all future ages.
9 However, I belong to evil humankind
to the assembly of wicked flesh;
my failings, my transgressions, my sins, {...}
with the depravities of my heart,
10 belong to the assembly of worms
and of those who walk in darkness.
For to man (does not belong) his path,
nor to a human being the steadying of his step;
since judgment belongs to God,
11 and from his hand is the perfection of the path.
By his knowledge everything shall come into being,
and all that does exist
he establishes with his calculations
and nothing is done outside of him.
As for me, if I stumble,
12 the mercies of God shall be my salvation always;
and if I fall in the sin of the flesh,
in the justice of God, which endures eternally, shall my judgment be;
13 if my grief commences,
he will free my soul from the pit
IQS X 13-22
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
19
and make my steps steady on the path;
he will draw me near in his mercies,
and by kindnesses set in motion my judgment;
14 he will judge me in the justice of his truth,
and in his plentiful goodness
always atone for all my sins;
in his justice he will cleanse me
from the uncleanness of the human being
is and from the sin of the sons of man,
so that I can extol God for his justice
and The Highest for his majesty.
Blessed be you, my God,
who opens the heart of your servant to knowledge!
16 Establish all his deeds in justice,
and raise up the son of your handmaid
to be everlastingly in your presence,
as you have cared for the selected ones of humankind.
17 For beyond you there is no perfect path
and without your will, nothing comes to be.
You have taught all knowledge
jS and all that exists is so by your will.
Beyond you there is no-one
to oppose your counsel,
to understand one of your holy thoughts,
ig to gaze into the abyss of your mysteries,
to fathom all your marvels
or the strength of your might.
20 Who can tolerate your glory?
What, indeed, is man,
;among all your marvellous deeds?
21 As what shall one born of woman be considered
in your presence?
Shaped from dust has he been,
maggots’ food shall be his dwelling;
he is spat saliva,
22 moulded clay,
and for dust his longing.
What will the clay reply
and the one shaped by hand?
And what advice will he be able to understand? Blank
20
RULES
4QSa *
b The Cave 4 Copies
4QRule of the Community" (4Q255 [4Qpaps"])
Frag. 1 (= iqs 1, 1-5) 2 For [the Instructor. . .] ... Book of the Rule of the Com-
munity. 2 [In order to seek God [with all (one’s) heart and with a|ll (one’s) soul;
in order to do 3 [what is good and just in his presence, as comjmanded through
the hand of Moses 4 [and through the hand of all his servants the Prophets; in
order to love all that he selects] 5 [and to hate all that he rejects;] in order to
keep oneself dis[tant from all evil,] 6 [and to become attached to all good
works;] to bring[ about truth. . .
Frag. 2 (= iqs in, 7- 12) 1 And by his holy spirit which links him with his truth
he is clea[nsed of all] 2 his sins. And by the spirit of uprightness and of humil-
ity his s[in is atoned. And by the compliance of] j his soul with all the laws of
God his fle[sh] is cleansed [bv there being sprinkled upon it] 4 cleansing waters
and being made holy with the waters of repentance, and [by the steadying of
his st]eps5 in order to walk with perfection on all the paths of God, conform-
ing to all he has decreed] 6 concerning regular times of his command. He
should not [turn aside, either right or] 7 left, nor infringe even on[e of all his
words.] 8 In this way he will be admitted by means of pleasing atonement and
for him it will be the covenant 9 [of an] everlasting [Community. . .]
Frag. 3 2 [...]... 2 [...] the man 3 [...] to him two 4 [...] in the judgment 5 [...]
which
4QRule of the Community* (4Q256 [4QS*])
Frag. 1 (= 1 qs 1, 16- 19) 1 [... And all those who enter] the Rule of the Com-
munity shall institute a covenant before God] 2 [in order to carry out all that
he commands and in order not to stray from following him] for any [fear,
dr]ead or grief [that might occur during] 3 [the dominion of Belial. When they
enter the covenant, the priests] and the levi[tes will bless the God of salva-
tion. . .]
Frag. 2 (= iqs 1, 21-23) 1 [The priests shall recite the just deeds of God in his]
mig[hty works, and they shall proclaim all his merciful] 2 [favours towards Is-
rael. And the levites shall recite the s]ins of the sons of [Israel, all their blame-
worthy transgressions. . .]
Frag. 3 (= iqs 11, 4-5) 2 [May he lift upon you the countenance of his favour
for eternal peace».] And the levites [shall curse all the men of the lot of] 2
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
21
4QSi-‘
[Belial. They shall take up the word and they shall say: «Be accursed for all
your wicked, blameworthy] deeds. [May he hand you over ...]
Frag. 4 (= iqs n, 7—11) / [... Accjursed are you, without mercy, for the dark-
ness 2 [of your deeds, and sentenced to the gloom of everlasting fire. May God
not be merciful when you entrejat him, nor forgive you when you do penance
for your faults, 3 [May he lift the countenance of his anger to avenge himself
on you, and may there be no peace for you in the mouth of those who inter-
cede#.] And all those who enter the covenant 4 [shall say, after those who bless
and those who curse: «Amen, Amen». And the priests and the levites shall con-
tinue, saying:] «Accursed
Frag. 5 (= iqs v, 1-20 ?) 1 Midrash for the Instructor concerning [...] 2 what
he commands. They should keep apart from the congregation of [the men of
sin ...] j according to the authority of the Many in every affair involving the
law, [property and judgment, to achieve together truth and humility, justice
and uprightness,] 4 compassionate love and seemly behaviour in all their paths.
No-one should walk [...] 5 except in order to lay a foundation of truth for Is-
rael, for the Community for all who [freely volunteer for holiness in Aaron and
for the house of] 6 truth in Israel and for those who join them for the Commu-
nity. Whoever enters the council of the Community . . .] 7 to revert to the Law
of Moses with all that it decrees, with whole heart and whofle . . .] 8 the council
of the men of the Community; and to be segregated from all the men of sin
who [. . .] 9 holy, and which he cannot do in the Community. And he is not [. . .]
10 in every law and precept. And with him [. . .] is not to enter //a man from
the holy men [...] 12 [...] is not to [...] 13 [...] ... [...]
4QRule of the Community1 (4Q257 [4Qpaps‘])
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= iqs 11,4-11) 1 And the levites shall curse all the men of the lot
of [Belijal. They shall take up the word and they shall say: «Accursed are you
2 [for all your wicked, blameworthy] deeds. May he (God) hand you over to
dread into the hands of those carrying out acts of 3 [vengeance. May he cause
to fall upon you destruction at the hand of all those administering punish-
ments. Accu]rsed are you, 4 [without mercy, for the darkness of your deeds,
and sentenced to the] gloom 5 [of everlasting fire. May God not be merciful
when you entreat him, nor forgive you when you do penance for] your fault.
6 [May he lift the countenance of his anger to avenge himself on you, and may
there be no] peace [for you in the mouth] 7 [of those who intercede#. And all
those who enter covenant shall say after] those who bless [...]
Frag. 1 col. in (= iqs 11, 25 -ill, 5) 1 shall not [enter the Comjmunity of his
22
RULES
4QS‘^
truth, since his soul loathes the restraints of the knowledge of] 2 just [judgment.
He has not remained constant in the transformation of his life and shall not be
counted with the upright.] 3 His knowledge, his en[ergy and his wealth shall
not enter the council of the Community because he ploughs in the slime] 4 of
irreverence and there are sta[ins on his conversion. He will not be justified
while he maintains the stubbornness of] 5 his heart, since he regards darkness
[as paths to light. In the source of the perfect he shall not be counted.] 6 He will
not become clean by the acts of aton[ement, nor will he be purified by the wa-
ters of the ablutions, nor will he be] 7 [ ... ] ... [ . . . ]
4QRule of the Community"1 (4Q258 [4QS'/])
Frag. 1 col. 1 (= IQS v, 1-20) ? Midrash for the Instructor concerning the men
of the law who freely volunteer to revert from all evil and to keep themselves
steadfast in all he prescribes. 2 They must keep apart from men of sin in order
to be together in the law and in possessions and acquiesce to the authority of
Many in every affair 3 involving the law and possessions. They must exercise
humility, justice and right, compassionate love and sefemly behav]iour in all
their paths. 4 [N]o-one should walk in the stubbornness of his heart in order
to go astray following his heart in order to establish a foundation of] truth for
Israel, for the Community for all 5 who freely volunteer for holiness in Aaron
and for the house of truth in Israel and for those who join them for the Com-
munity. Blank And whoever enters the council 6 of the Community shall make
a binding promise to refvert] to the Law of Moses with all that it decrees, with
whole heart and whole soul. All that has been revealed about 7 the regulation
[. . .] the council of m[en. . .] iniquity, and he is not to approach the pure food
of holy 8 [me]n. And he is not to eat (?) [...And] not one of the men of the
Community [is to be subject] to his authority in any 9 [law] or regulation, and
[. . .] ... And no-one of the men of holiness is to eat w [. . .] And they are not to
support themselves on [any wo]rk of futility, for all those who [do not know]
n [his covenant] are futility. [And all those who scorn] his word, who vanish
from the [world; a]ll their works are uncle[anness before him, there is unclean-
ness in all their possessions.] 12 [. . .] the residents. And the Many (?) will verify
the oath ...[...] 13 [...] ... [•••]
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= iqs v, 21-vi, 7) / and his deeds in law, under the authority of
the sons of Aaron, those who freely volunteer in the Community to set up his
covenant and to follow all the decrees which he commanded 2 to carry out, and
under the authority of the majority of Israel, those who freely volunteer to be
converted within the Community. And they shall record each one in the Rule,
before his fellow, each one according to his insight 3 and his deeds in the law,
in such a way that each one obeys his fellow, junior under senior. And their
4QS" 1-2
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
23
spirit and their deeds in the law must be tested, 4 year after year, in order to
upgrade each one to the extent of his insight, or to demote him according to his
failings. Each should reproach his fellow in compassionate love. 5 And no-one
should speak to his fellow in anger or muttering, or with spiteful intent. And
in addition, no-one should raise a matter against his fellow in front of the Many
6 unless it is with reproof in the presence of witnesses. In this way shall they
behave in all their places of residence, always whenever someone meets his
fellow. [The junior shall obey] 7 the senior in work and in [money. They shall
eat together,] together they shall bless and together they shall [take counsel. In
every place where there are ten] 8 men of the Community council, there should
not be a priest missing amongst them; each] one according to his rank, will [sit
in front of him, and in this way ask them their counsel on every matter.] g And
when [they prepare the table to dine or the] new wine [for drinking, the pri]est
will stretch out his hand as the first to bless the first fruits of the bread] to and
the new wine [...]
Frag, t col. 111 (= iqs vi, 9- 12) 1 each can impart his wi[sdom to the council of
the Community. No-one should talk during the speech of his fellow before his
brother has finished speaking. . . And in the session of] 2 the Many no-one
should ut[ter anything without the consent of the Many. And if the Examiner
of the Many prevents someone having something to say] 3 to the Many but [he
is not in the position of one who is asking questions to the council...]
Frag. 2 col. I (= iqs vm, 6- 17) / [holies for Aaron, true witnesses for the judg-
ment and chosen by the will (of God) to atone for the earth and to] render the
wicked 2 [their retribution. It will be the tested rampart, the precious corner-
stone whose foundations do not shake or tremble in] their place. It will be the
most holy dwelling 3 [for Aaron with eternal (?) knowledge of the covenant of
justice and in order to offer a pleasant aroma; and it will be a house of perfec-
tion and truth for Israel;] in order to establish a covenant in compliance with
the everlasting decrees. 4 [And these, will be accepted, to atone for the earth
and to decide the judgment of the wicked and there will be no iniquity. When
these have been established in the foundation of the Community for two full
years 5 [in perfect behaviour they will be segregated (like) holy ones in the
midst of the council of the men of the Community. And every matter hidden
from Is]rael, but which has been found out 6 [by the Interpreter, he should not
keep hidden from them for fear of a spirit of desertion.] Blank And when these
exist [in Israel] they are to be segregated from [within the dwelling] 7 [of the
men of sin to walk to the desert in order to open there His path. This is the
study of] the law which he commanded through the ha[nd of Moses, in order
to d]o all [that has been revealed from age to age,] 8 [and which the prophets
have revealed through his holy spirit. And anyone] of the men of the covenant
[•••]
24
RULES
4QS^ 2 II — III
Frag. 2 col. II (= iqs vm, 24-ix, 10) 1 he should be excluded from pure food
and from the council and the judgment for two [whojle years. And he may
return to the interpretation and to the council if he does not go 2 sinning
through oversight until two full years have passed. Because for a sin of over-
sight he will be punished two years; but for impertinence he shall not go back
again. Only 3 two full years shall he be tested in respect of the perfection of his
behaviour and in respect of his counsel according to the authority of the Many
and then he will be enrolled according to his rank in the Community of holi-
ness. Blank 4 [When] these exist in Israel in accordance with these statutes in
order to establish the spirit of holiness in truth eternal, in order to atone for the
fault of the transgression 5 [and for the disloyalty of sin] and for the approval
for the earth [. . .] of burnt offerings and without the fats of sacrifice, the offer-
ings and the free-will offering of the lips in compliance with the decree will be
like the pleasant aroma 6 [of justice and the perfection of behavio]ur will be
acceptable] like a freewill offering. Blank At this time the house of Aaron set
themselves for holiness, for all [...]/ [Community for Isr]ael, (for) those who
walk in perfection. Only the sons of Aaron will have authority in the matter
of jud]gment and of goods. Blank And the goo[ds . . .] 8 [who wa]k in perfection.
[Their goods] must not be con[fused with the] goods [of the men of deceit] who
have not puri[fied their path. . .] 9 [. . .] shall be governed by the directives . . .]
Frag. 2 col. in (= iqs ix, 15-x, 3) 1 and according to his intellect promote him,
and thus shall be his love and thus shall be his hatred. He should not reproach
anyone or argue with the men of{knowledge}/the pit/ 2 but instead hide his
counsel in the midst of the men of sin. He should reproach (with) truthful
knowledge and (with) just judgment those who choose the path, each one ac-
cording to his spirit, according to the circumstances 3 of the time. [He should
lead them] with knowledge and in this way teach them the mysteries of wonder
and of truth in the midst of the men of the Community, so they walk perfectly,
each one 4 [with his fellow, in all that has been revealed to] them. This is the
time for making ready the path in the desert to teach them about all that has
been discovered so that they can carry it out. Blank In this time 5 [they will be
detached from any] man who has not withdrawn his path from all wickedness.
And these are the rules of behaviour for the Instructor in these times, 6 [con-
cerning his love and] his hatred. Everlasting hatred for the men of the pit in
clandestine spirit. To them he should leave goods and hand-made 7 [items like
a servant to his master] and like one oppressed before someone domineering
him. He should be a man enthusiastic for the precept and for his time, for the
day of revenge. He should perform 8 [(God’s) will in all that his hand should
tackle and in] all that he controls, as he commanded. And all that happens to
him he should welcome freely and be gratified by nothing except [God’s wi]ll.
9 [He should relish all the words of his mouth, wish for nothing that he has not
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
25
4QS^2 IV- V
commanded and be ever alert to the precep]t of God. [. . .] 10 [. . .] he shall bless
in [...] u [...] retired to its appointed abode. At the commencement [...] 12
[...they re]tire before the light. When [the lights of the holy vault] shine out,
13 [when they retire to the abode of glory. At the entry of the constellation in
the days of the new moon together with its rotations during its stations,]
Frag. 2 col. iv (= iqs x, 4- 12) 1 renewing each other. It is a great day for the
holy of holies, and an omen of the opening of his everlasting mercies, 2 for the
beginnings of the constellations in every future age. At the commencement of
the months in their constellations, and of the holy 3 days in their sequence, as
a reminder in their constellations. [With the offering of lips] I shall bless you,
in accordance with the decree 4 recorded for ever. At the commencement of the
years and in the gy[rations of their constellations, when] the decree 5 of their
disposition [is carried out,] on the prescribed day, one after another; the
constellation of the harvest up to summer, the constellation of seed]time up
to the constellation of 6 the grass, the constellations of the years up to their
seven-year [periods. At the commencement of the seven-year] periods, up to
the times determined for deliverance. 7 And in all my existence it shall be the
precept engraved [on my tongue like fruit of eu]logy and the portion [of my
lips. I will sing] 8 with knowledge and for the glory of God shall all my music
be, the strumming of my harp for his ho[ly order, and the whistle] 9 [of my lips
I shall ad]just to its correct scale. [At the onset of] day [and ni]ght I shall enter
the covenant 10 [of God, and when evening and morning arrive I shall repeat
his precepts;] and while they last I shall go back 11 [. . .] my sins are before my
eyes, like graven laws, my sins 12 [like graven laws. But to God I shall say: «My
justice#, and to the Most High: ((Foundation of my well-being#, ((source of
knowing#,] «place of holiness#, ((peak 13 [of glory#, «all-powerful one of eternal
majesty#. I shall choose
Frag. 2 col. v (= iqs x, 12- 18) / what he te[aches me, I shall be pleased in how
he might judge me. When I start to stretch out my hands] 2 and my feet I shall
[bless his name...] on the ta[sty fruits of the earth. At the onset of fright and
dismay, in the place of distress] 4 with [grief, I shall bless him for (his) great
marvels and shall meditate on his power, on his compassion] 5 I shall rely [the
whole day. I realize that in his hand lies the judgment of every living thing, and
all his deeds are truth.] 6 When distress is unleashed I shall praise him, just as
I shall sing to him for his deliverance. I shall not repay anyone with an evil]
7 reward; [with goodness I shall pursue the man. For to God (corresponds) the
judgment of every living being, and it is he who] 8 pays [man his wages. . .]
26
RULES
4QS<’ I — II
4QRule of the Community1, (4Q259 [4QS1’])
Col. 1 (= IQS vii, 10- 17) 1 2 [...] Blank 3 [days] And whoever lies
down [and goes to sleep in the session of the Many, thirty days. And the same
applies to whoever] 4 [leaves] the session of the Many without [cause, or falls
asleep up to three times] 5 [during] a session, he shall be punished [for ten days;
however, if . . . and he withdraws,] 6 he shall be punished for thirty days. And
whoever [walks about naked in front of his fellow, without] 7 [needing] to, [shall
be puni]shed for three monfths. And the person who spits in the course of a
meeting of] 8 the Man[y shall be punished for thirty days. Blank (?) And who-
ever] 9 takes [out his ‘hand’ from under his] clothes, [or if these are rags which
allow his nakedness to be seen,] 10 he will be punished for thirty days. And
whoever [giggles inanely causing] 11 his voice [to be heard] shall be punished
for thirty [days. And whoever takes out his left hand] 12 to gesticulate with it
shall be punished ten days...]
Col. 11 (= IQS Vii, 22-viii, 10) 1 [... And when the days of] the two years [are
complete] 2 [the Many shall be questioned concerning his matter; if they admit
him, he shall be enrolled according to his ra]nk; and later he will be questioned
3 [in connection with judgment. However, anyone who has been in the] Com-
munity [council] until completion of 4 [ten full years and whose spirit reverts
to betray the Community and he goes away from the presence of] the Many in
order to walk 5 [in the stubbornness of his heart, may never return to the Com-
munity council. And the person from among] the men of the Community who
6 [fraternises w ith him in concerns of purity or goods, who . . . the Many,] and
his sentence will be 7 [like his, he shall be expelled. In the Community council
(there shall be) twelve men and] three priests, 8 [perfect in everything that has
been revealed about all the law to implement truth] justice, judgment, 9 [com-
passionate love and unassuming behaviour of each person to his fellow to pre-
serve] faithfulness on the earth with firm purpose and with simplicity 10 [and
repentant spi]rit, in order to atone for [sin, doing justice and undergoing trials]
in order to walk with everyone u [in the measure of] truth and the regulation
of time. When these things exist in] Israel, the Community council shall be
founded 12 [on truth like an] everlasting [plantation, [a holy house for Israel
and the foundation of the] holy of holies for Aaron, 13 true witnesses for the
judgment and chosen by the wi[ll (of God) to atone for the earth and to render]
the wicked 14 their retribution. It will be the tested rampart, [the precious cor-
nerstone, whose foundations do not shake or] tremble on the spot. 15 It will be
the most holy fortress for Aaron [with total knowledge of the covenant of jus-
tice and in order to offer] a pleasant [aroma]; and it will be a house /6 of perfec-
tion and truth in Isfrael; in order to establish a covenant in compliance with the
everlasting dec]rees. When these have been established
4QSf’ III— V
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
27
Col. hi (= iqs viii, 11-15 + ix, 12-20) 1 [in the foundation of the Community
for two full years in perfect behaviour they will be segregated] (like) holy ones
in the midst of the council of the men of [the Community.] 2 [And every mat-
ter hidden from Israel but which has been found] out by the Interpreter, he
should not [keep hidden from] them 3 [for fear of a spirit of desertion.] And
when these exist by means of the separation of] 4 the men of [sin to walk to the
desert in order to open there] the path of truth. As [it is written:] «In the desert,
[prepare the way of ****, straighten] in the steppe a roadway for our God».
6 This is [the study of the law which he commanded through the hand of Mo-
ses. These are the regulations] for the Instructor, so that by them shall walk
every living being in compliance with the circumstances of every [period] Sand
in compliance with the wor[th of each man: he should do] the will of God in
compliance with all revelation for every period; 9 [he should acquire all the
wisdom that has been gai]ned according to the periods and the regulation of the
period;] 10 [he should separate and we]igh the sons of justice according to their
spirits; [he should encourage] u [the chosen ones of the period] according to
his will, as he has commanded; [he should carry out the judgment] 72 [of each
man in accordance with his spirit;] he should include each one according to the
purity of his hands and according [to his intellect] 13 [promote him. And thus
shall be his love] and thus shall be his hatred. He should not [reproach] 14 [or
argue with the mjen of the pit but instead hide the [counsel of the law] 15 [in
the midst of the men of sin.] He should reproach (with) truthful knowledge and
(with) just 16 judgment [those who choose the path, each one] according to his
spirit and according to the circumstances of the time. He should lead them
77 with knowledge and in this way teach them the my]steries of wonder and
of truth and give them the secret pa[th of the men of] 1 H the Community, [so
that they walk perfectly, each one] with his fellow, in all that has been revealed
to them. 19 This is the [time for making ready the path] in the desert and he
will teach them about all
Col. IV 7 ... [,..]2 ... [...]
Col. v 70 [...]... In the fourth (year of the cycle of) Shebet [...] 11 [...] (the)
creation. In the fourth (year), the sign of Gamul. In the Release, the si]gn of
72 [Shekaniah. In the thi]rd, the sign of Gamul. In the sixth, the sign of
[Shekaniah. In the second, the sign of Ga]mul. 13 [In the fifth, the sign of
Shekaniah. After the Release, the sign of Ga[mul. In the fourth, the sign of
Shekan]iah. 7 4 [In the Release, the sig]n of Gamul, In the third, the sign of
Shekaniah. [In the sixth, the sign of Ga]mul. 75 [In the second, the si]gn of
Shefkaniah. In the fifth, the sign of Ga[mul. After the Release, the sign of
7 6 [Shekaniah. In the fou]rth, the sign of Gamul. In the Release, the end of the
second jubilee. The signs of the second jubilee 77 [are seventeen signs. From
28
RULES
4QSC VI-VII
this in the Release [two] signs (remain) [...] the creation 18 [...the sig]n of
Shekaniah. In the third year, the sign of Gamul. [In the sixth, the si]gn of
Shekaniah. ig [In the second, the sign of Ga]mul. In the fifth, the sign of
Shekaniah. After the Re[mission, the sign of Ga]mul.
Col. vi i [In the fourth, the sign of Shekaniah. In the Release, the sign of
Gamul. In the third, the sign of Shekaniah.] 2 [In the sixth, the sign of Gamul.
In the se]cond, the sig[n of Shekaniah. In the fifth the sign of Gamul.] 3 [After
the Release, the sign of Shekaniah. In the foufrth, the sign of Gamul. In the
Release, the sign of] 4 [Shekaniah. In the thi]rd, the sign of Gamul. In the
sixfth, the sign of] Shekaniah. [In the second, the end of the] 5 thfird] jubilee.
The signs of the [third] jubilee are six]teen. From this up to the Release 6 two
signs of (the cycle of) Shekaniah remain. [In the second year, the sign of
Ga]mul. In the fifth the sign of Shekaniah. 7 After the Release, the si[gn of
Gamul. In the fourth, the si]gn of Shekaniah. In the Release, the sign of
Gamul. In the third the sign of [Shekaniah. In the sixth the sign of Ga]mul. In
the second, the sign of Shekaniah. In the fifth, the sign of [Gamul. After the]
Release, the sign of Shekaniah. 10 In the fourth, the sign of Gamul. [In the
Release, the sign of] Shekaniah. In the third, the sign of Gamul. 1 1 In the sixth,
the sign of Shek[aniah. In the second, the sign of] Gamul. In the fifth, the sign
of Shekaniah. 12 After the Release, the s[ign of the end of the jubilee: Gamul]
The /fourth/ [jub]ilee has seventeen signs: 13 from the last up to the Release
two /signs/ of (the cycle of) [Gamul] (remain). In the fourth year, the sign of
Shekaniah. 14 [In the Release, the sign of Gamul.] 15 In the second, the sign of
Shekaniah. In the fif]th, the sign of Gamul. After the Release, the sign of
Shekaniah.] 16 In the fourth, the sign of Gamul. In [the Release, the sign of
Shekaniah. In the third, the sign of Gamul.] 17 In the six[th, the sig]n of
Shekaniah.] 18 [After the] Release, the sign of Ga[mul. In the fourth, the sign
of Shekaniah, In the Release, the end of the] ig [fif ]th [jubilee] in (the sign of)
Yeshibab. [The signs of the fifth jubilee are seventeen. From this during the
Release,]
Col. vii 1 [three signs (of the Cycle of) Gamul (remain). In the third year, the
sign of Shekaniah. In the sixth, the sign of 2 [Gamul. In the se]cond, the sign
of Shekaniah. In [the fifth, the sign of Gamul. After the Release 3 the sign of
Shekaniah. In the fourth, the sign of Ga[mul. In the Release, the sign of
Shekaniah.] In the third 4 the sign of Gamul. In the sixth, the sign of
Shekaniah. [In the second, the sign of] Gamul. 5 In the fifth, the sign of
Shekaniah. After [the Release,] the sign of 6 Gamul. In the fourth, the sign of
Shekaniah. In the Rele[ase, the sign of Gamul. In] the third, 7 the sign of
[Shekaniah. In the six]th, the final /sign/ of the [sixth] jubilee [.. .The signs of]
8 the [sixth] jubilee [are six]teen. From this in [the Release] two signs (remain)
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
29
4QSf'/
[. . .] 9 10 And on the jub[ilee of Gamul, in the second year, the sign of
Shekaniah. In the fifth, the sign of Gamul. After] 11 the Release [the sign of
Shekaniah. In the fourth,] the sign of Gamul. [In the Release,] 12 [the sign of
Shekaniah. In the third, the sign of] Gamul. In the sixth, the si[gn of
Shekaniah.] 13 [In] the second, the sig[n of Gamul.] In the fifth, the sign of
Shekaniah. [After] 14 the Release, [the sign of Ga]mul. In the fourth, the sign
of Shekaniah. In the Reflease, the sign of] 15 Gamul. [In the th]ird, the sign of
Shekaniah. In the sixth, the sign of [Gamul.] 16 In the se[cond, the sign of
Shekaniah.] In the fifth, the final sign of the [se]venth jubilee, 77 [The signs of
the] seventh [jubilee] are seventeen. From this in the Release 18 [two signs (re-
main).. .] the sign of the jubilees, the year of the jubilees, according to the days
of [. . .] 79 [. . .] in Miyyamin, the third Ye[daiah. . .]
Col. viii 7 Gamul [...] 2 Yedaiah [...] 3 Miyyamim [...] 4 Shekaniah [ ] j- Yes-
hebab [. . .] 6 Hapzizez [. . .] 7 Gamul [. . .]
Col. ix i [... the second] Passover. The [...] of 2 [... the ...] of Jezir [...] 3 [...
the . . . of] Mecozaiah, the Passover [. . .] 4 [. . . the . . . of . . .] the day of remem-
brance [...]
Col. xi 4 [. . .] and about the sabbaths 5 [and their days. . .] and about the feasts
6 [of their days, and about the] months of their [years] and about the signs 7 of
their Releases and about their jubilees and the sabbath 8 of the sons of [Gamul],
on the fourth day.
4QRule of the Community^ (4Q260 [4QS/])
Frag. 1 col. 1 (= iqs ix, 23-24) 7 [enthusiastic for the decree and for his time,
for the day of revenge. He should perform (God’s) will in all] that 2 [his hand
should tackle and in all that he controls, as he commanded. And] all that hap-
pens to him
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= iqs x, 1 -4) 7 At the commencement of the vigils of [darkness
when he opens his store and stretches them upwards and in] his rotation 2 and
when it retires be[fore the light. When the lights of the holy vault shine out,
when they re]tire to the abode 3 of glory. [At the entry of the constellation in
the days of the new moon together with their rotations during their stations]
renewing 4 [each other. It is a great day for the holy of holies, and an omen of
the opening of his everlasting] mercies.
Frag. 1 col. in (= iqs x, 9- 1 1) 79 the playing of my harp for [his holy order, and
the whistle of my lips I shall ad]just to its correct scale. 2 At the [onset of day
3°
RULES
4QS/:*
and night I shall enter the covenant of God, at the] onset of evening and morn-
ing 3 I[ shall repeat his precepts; and while they last I shall set them as my
limit,] with no backtracking.
Frag, t col. iv (= iqs x, 15-20) / [At the onjset of fright and dismay, [in the
place] of distress and grief, [I shall bless him] 2 for (his) great marvels and shall
meditate on his po[wer and shall rely] on his compassion 3 the whole day. The
judgment of every living thing [is in his hand and all his deeds are truth.] When
4 distress is unleashed I shall praise him, and for his deliverance [I shall sing to
him in the same measure.] I shall not repay 5 anyone with an evil reward; with
goodness [I shall pursue the] man. For to God (corresponds) [the judgment]
6 of every living being, and it is he who pays m[an his wage]s. I shall have [no
enthusiasm for] the wicked 7 [spirit], and my soul shall not cfrave] wealth by
violence. [In the dispute of the men] 8 of the pit I shall not be involved at all
[until the day of vengeance. However, I shall not remove] my anger 9 from
wicked men, [nor shall I he appeased, until] the judgment [is carried out. I shall
not] 70 bear angry resentment for someone who converts from transgression;
[...] of men.
Frag. 1 col. v (= iqs x, 20-24) 1 [but I shall have no mer]cy for all those who
turn aside from the path. I shall not comfort the oppressed until their path is
2 perfect. I shall not retain Belial within my heart. From my mouth no 3 vulgar-
ity shall be heard or wicked deceptions; sophistries or lies shall not be found on
my lips. 4 The fruit of holiness will be on my tongue, profanity shall not be
found 5 on it. With hy[mns shall I open my] mouth, and the just acts of God
6 my mouth will ev[er number and the treachery of me]n [until their transgres-
sion is comfplete.]
4QRule of the Community^ (4Q261 [4QS^])
Frag. 1 (= iqs v, 22-24) 1 [to establish his cove]nant and to [follow all the de-
crees which he commanded to fulfil,] 2 [and under the authority of the
majority of Is[rael, those who freely volunteer to return within the Community
to his covenant. And they shall be recorded] 3 [in the Rule, each one be]fore his
fel[low, according to his insight and his deeds, in such a way that each one
obeys] 4 [his fellow,] junior [under senior. And their spirits must be tested,]
5 [and their de]eds y[ear after year, in order to upgrade each one to the extent
of his insight and the perfection of his path,] 6 [or to demote him according
to his failings.. .
Frag. 2 (= iqs vi, 22-25) 1 [f°r the law, for the judjgment, for pufrity and for
the placing of his possessions in common. And his advice will be for the Com-
THE RULE OF THE COMMUNITY
31
4QS"
munity as will his judgment.] And these are the regulations] by which they
shall judge him depending on [the case. If one is found among them] 3 [who has
lied knowingly concerning mo]ney, he shall be excluded from the pure food
of the Many] 4 [for a year and shall be sentenced to a quar]ter of his bread. [. . .]
Frag. 3 (= iqs Vii, 12- 16) 1 [...]...[...] 2 [And whoever lies down and] goes to
sleep in the sessfion of the Many, thirty days. And the same applies to whoever
leaves] 3 [the session of the Many] without cause, [or falls asleep up to three
times during a session,] 4 [shall be punished ten d]ays; how[ever, if. . . and he
withdraws,] 5 [he shall be punished for thirty d]ays. And whoever [walks about
naked in front of his fellow,] 6 without needing to, [shall be punished for three
months. And the person who spits] 7 [in the course of a mee]ting of the Many
[shall be punished thirty days. And whoever takes out] 8 [his ‘hand’ from
und]er his clothes, [or if these are rags 16 which allow his nakedness to be seen,]
Frag. 4 1 [...] what he commands. [...] 2 [...] he will stretch out his hand and
[. . .] j [. . .] and their deeds [. . .]
4QRule of the Community* (4Q262 [4QS*])
Frag. 1 (= iqs ill, 4-5) 1 [He will not become clean by the acts of aton]ement,
nor shall he be purified by [the cleansing waters,] 2 [nor shall he be made holy
by the seas or rivers, [nor shall he be purified] 3 [by all] the water of the ablu-
tions. Defiled, def[iled shall he be, all the days . . .]
4QRule of the Community' (4Q263 [4QS'])
Frag. 1 (= iqs vi, 1-3) 1 [to incur a sin for his fault. And in addition,] no-one
should raise [a matter against his fellow in front of the Many unless] 2 [it is
with reproof] in the presence of witnesses. In this way shall they behave [in all
their places of residence, whenever one fellow meets another.] 3 [The junior
shall obey] the senior in work and in wea[lth. They shall eat together, together
they shall bless and together they shall take counsel.] 4 [In every pl]ace where
there are [ten men of the Community council, there should not be a priest
missing amongst them] 5 [...] ... [...]
4QRule of the Community (4Q264 [4Q sy | )
Frag. 1 (= iqs xi, 14-22) 1 [. . . he will judge me in the justice] of his truth, and
in his plentiful goodness 2 [always atone for all my sins; in his justice he will
cleanse me from the uncleanness] of the human being, and from the sin of the
sons of man, so that I can extol 3 [God for his justice and The Highest for his
32
RULES
5QS
majesty. Blessed be you, my God, who opens] the heart of your servant [to
knowledge!] Establish all his deeds in justice, 4 [and raise up the son of your
handmaid] to be everlastingly in your presence, [as you have cared for the se-
lected ones of humankind.] For beyond you 5 [there is no perfect path, and
without your will, nothing comes to be. You have ta]ught all knowledge, and
all that exists 6 [is so by your will. Beyond you there is no-one to oppose your
counsel,] to understand one of your holy 7 [thoughts, to gaze into the abyss of
your mysteries, to fathom all] your marvels or the strength of your might.
8 [Who can tolerate your glory? What, indeed, is man,] among all your
marvellous deeds? The one born of woman 9 [as what will he be considered in
your presence? Shaped from dust has he been, maggots’ food] shall be his
dwelling; he is spat saliva, 10 [moulded clay, and for dust his longing. What will
the clay reply and the one shaped by hand?] And what advice will he be able to
understand? Blank
C Copies from other caves
5QRule of the Community (5Q11 [5QS])
Frag. 1 col. 1 (= iqs 11, 4-7) / [... And the levites shall cu]rse 2 [all the men of
the lot of Belial. They shall begins speaking and they shall say: «Accursed] are
you 3 [for all your wicked, blame] worthy deeds. May he (God) 4 [hand you over
to dread at the hands of all those carrying out acts of vengeance. May he cause
to fa]ll upon you 5 [destruction at the hands of all those carrying out punish-
ments. Be acc]ursed,
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= iqs 11, 12-14 ?) 1 When [he hears the words of this covenant,
he will bless himself] 2 in his he[art, saying: ‘I will have peace, in spite of my
walking in the stubbornness of my heart’. However, his spirit will be obliter-
ated, the dry with the moist, mercilessly...]
CD I — II 5
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
33
2 The Damascus document
A Copies from the Genizah
Damascus Document (cd-a)
Col. I i Blank And now, listen, all those who know justice, and understand the
actions of 2 God; for he has a dispute with all flesh and will carry out judgment
on all those who spurn him. 3 For when they were unfaithful in forsaking him,
he hid his face from Israel and from his sanctuary 4 and delivered them up to
the sword. However, when he remembered the covenant of the very first, he
saved a remnant 5 for Israel and did not deliver them up to destruction. And
at the moment of wrath, three hundred and 6 ninety years after having deliv-
ered them up into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, 7 he visited
them and caused to sprout from Israel and from Aaron a shoot of the planting,
in order to possess 8 his land and to become fat with the good things of his soil.
And they realised their sin and knew that 9 they were guilty men; but they were
like blind persons and like those who grope for the path 10 over twenty years.
And God appraised their deeds, because they sought him with a perfect heart
11 and raised up for them a Teacher of Righteousness, in order to direct them
in the path of his heart. Blank And he made known 12 to the last generations
what he had done for the last generation, the congregation of traitors. 13 These
are the ones who stray from the path. This is the time about which it has been
written: Hos 4: 16 «Like a stray heifer 14 so has Israel strayed», when ‘the scoffer’
arose, who scattered 15 the waters of lies over Israel and made them veer off
into a wilderness without path, flattening the everlasting heights, diverging
16 from tracks of justice and removing the boundary with which the very first
had marked their inheritance, so that 17 the curses of his covenant would ad-
here to them, to deliver them up to the sword carrying out the vengeance 18 of
the covenant. For they sought easy interpretations, chose illusions, scrutinised
79 loopholes, chose the handsome neck, acquitted the guilty and sentenced the
just, 20 violated the covenant, broke the precept, colluded together against the
life of the just man, their soul abominated all those who walk 21 in perfection,
they hunted them down with the sword and provoked the dispute of the peo-
ple. And kindled was the wrath
Col. 11 7 of God against his congregation, laying waste all its great number, for
his deeds were unclean in front of him. 2 Blank And now, listen to me, all enter-
ing the covenant, and I will open your ears to the paths of 3 the wicked. Blank
God loves knowledge; he has established wisdom and counsel before him;
4 discernment and knowledge are at his service; patience is his and abundance
of pardon, 5 to atone for persons who repent from wickedness; however,
34
RULES
CD II 5 — III 10
strength and power and a great anger with flames of fire 6 by the (hand) of all
the angels of destruction against persons turning aside from the path and abom-
inating the precept, without there being for them either a remnant 7 or survi-
vor. For God did not choose them at the beginning of the world, and before
they were established he knew 8 their deeds, and abominated the generations
on account of blood and hid his face from the country, g from <Israel>, until
their extinction. And he knew the years of their existence, and the number and
detail of their ages, of all w those who exist over the centuries, and of those
who will exist, until it occurs in their ages throughout all the everlasting years.
u And in all of them he raised up men of renown for himself, to leave a rem-
nant for the country and in order to fill 12 the face of the world with their off-
spring. Blank And he taught them by the hand of the anointed ones through his
holy spirit and through seers of the 13 truth, and their names were established
with precision. But those he hates, he causes to stray. 14 Blank And now, my
sons, listen to me and I shall open your eyes so that you can see and understand
the deeds of 15 God, so that you can choose what he is pleased with and repu-
diate what he hates, so that you can walk perfectly 16 on all his paths and not
follow after the thoughts of a guilty inclination and lascivious eyes. For many
17 wandered off for these matters; brave heroes yielded on account of them,
from ancient times until now. For having walked in the stubbornness 18 of
their hearts the Watchers of the heavens fell; on account of it they were caught,
for they did not follow the precepts of God. 1 g And their sons, whose height
was like that of cedars and whose bodies were like mountains, fell. 20 All flesh
which there was in the dry earth decayed and became as if it had never been,
for having realized 21 their desires and failing to keep their creator’s precepts,
until his wrath flared up against them.
Col. ill 1 Blank Through it, the sons of Noah and their families strayed, through
it, they were cut off. 2 Abraham did not walk in it, and was counted as a friend
for keeping God’s precepts and not following 3 the desire of his spirit. And he
passed (them) on to Isaac and to Jacob, and they kept (them) and were written
up as friends 4 of God and as members of the covenant for ever. Blank Jacob’s
sons strayed because of them and were punished in accordance with 5 their
mistakes. And in Egypt their sons walked in the stubbornness of their hearts,
plotting against 6 God’s precepts and each one doing what was right in his own
eyes; and they ate blood, 7 and their males were cut off in the wilderness. He
<spoke> to them in Qadesh: Deutg:23 «Go and possess (the land». But they pre-
ferred the desire) of their hearts, and did not listen to 8 the voice of their cre-
ator, the precepts he had taught them and murmured in their tents. And the
wrath of God flared up g against their congregation. And their sons died
through it, and through it their kings were cut off and through it their warriors
10 perished and through it their land was laid waste. Through it, the very first
CD III 10-IV 19
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
35
to enter the covenant made themselves guilty and were delivered up 11 to the
sword, for having deserted God’s covenant and having chosen their whims, and
having followed the stubbornness 12 of their heart, each one doing (what was)
his desire. Blank But with those who remained steadfast in God’s precepts, 13
with those who were left from among them, God established his covenant with
Israel for ever, revealing to them 14 hidden matters in which all Israel had gone
astray: his holy sabbaths and his 15 glorious feasts, his just stipulations and his
truthful paths, and the wishes of his will which 16 man must do in order to live
by them. He disclosed (these matters) to them and they dug a well of plentiful
water; 17 and whoever spurns them shall not live. But they had defiled them-
selves with human sin and unclean paths, 18 and they had said: «For this is
ours». But God, in his wonderful mysteries, atoned for their failings and par-
doned their sins. 19 And he built for them a safe home in Israel, such as there
has not been since ancient times, not even till 20 now. Those who remained
steadfast in it will acquire eternal life, and all the glory of Adam is for them. As
21 God established for them by means of Ezekiel the prophet, saying: E 244:15
«The priests and the levites and the sons of
Col. iv 1 Zadok who maintained the service of my temple when the children of
Israel strayed 2 far away from me, shall offer the fat and the blood». The priests
are the converts of Israel 3 who left the land of Judah; and <the levitcst are
those who joined them; and the sons of Zadok are the chosen of 4 Israel, «those
called by name» who stood up at the end of days. This is the detailed list 5 of
their names, according to their genealogies and the age of their existence and
the number of their miseries and the years of 6 their residence, and the detailed
list of their deeds... of holiness. <These are the very) first, for whom 7 God
atoned, and who declared the just man as just, and declared the wicked as
wicked, and all those who entered after them 8 in order to act according to the
exact interpretation of the law in which the very first were instructed until
9 the period of these years is complete. According to the covenant which God
established with the very first, in order to atone 10 for their sins, so will God
atone for them. But when the period corresponding to the number of these
years is complete, 11 there will no longer be any joining with the house of
Judah but rather each one standing up on 12 his watchtower. The wall is built,
the boundary far away. And during these years 13 Belial will be sent against
Israel, as God has said by means of the prophet Isaiah, son of 14 Amoz, saying:
Isa 24:17 «Panic, pit and net against you, earth-dweller». Blank Its explanation:
is They are Belial’s three nets about which Levi, son of Jacob spoke, 16 in
which he catches Israel and makes them appear before them like three types of
17 justice. The first is fornication; the second, wealth; the third, defilement of
the temple. He who eludes one is caught in another and he who is freed from
that, is caught 19 in another. Blank The builders of the wall who go after Zaw-
36
RULES
CD IV 19-VI 7
Zaw is a preacher 20 as it is said: Mic 2:6 ((Assuredly he will preach»-are caught
twice in fornication: by taking 21 two wives in their lives, even though the prin-
ciple of creation is Gen 1:27 ((male and female he created them».
Col. v 1 And the ones who went into the ark Gen 7:9 «went in two by two into the
ark». And about the prince it is written: 2 Deut 17:17 «He should not multiply
wives to himself*. However, David had not read the sealed book of the law
which 3 was in the ark, for it had not been opened in Israel since the day of the
death of Eleazar 4 and of Jehoshua, and Joshua and the elders who worshipped
Ashtaroth had hidden 5 the public (copy) until Zadok’s entry into office. And
David’s deeds were praised, except for Uriah’s blood, 6 and God allowed them
to him. And they also defiled the temple, for they did not 7 keep apart in accor-
dance with the law, but instead lay with her who sees the blood of her men-
strual flow. And each man takes as a wife 8 the daughter of his brother and the
daughter of his sister. Blank But Moses said: Lev 18:13 «Do not g approach your
mother’s sister, she is a blood relation of your mother*. The law of incest,
10 written for males, applies equally to females, and therefore to the daughter
of a brother who uncovers the nakedness of the brother of n her father, for he
is a blood relation. Blank And also they defile his holy spirit, 12 for with blasphe-
mous tongue they have opened their mouth against the statutes of God’s cove-
nant, saying: ((they are unfounded*. They speak abomination 13 against them.
They are all igniters of fire, kindlers of blazes; webs 14 of a spider are their
webs, and their eggs are viper’s eggs. Whoever is close to them 15 will not be
unpunished; the more he does it, the guiltier he shall be, unless he has been
compelled. For already in ancient times 16 God visited their deeds, and his
wrath flared up against their actions, for it is not an intelligent people; 17 they
are folk bereft of advice, in that there is no intelligence in them. For in ancient
times there arose 18 Moses and Aaron, by the hand of the prince of lights and
Belial, with his cunning, raised up Jannes and ig his brother during the first
deliverance of Israel. Blank 20 Blank And in the age of devastation of the land
there arose those who shifted the boundary and made Israel stray. 21 And the
land became desolate, for they spoke of rebellion against God’s precepts
through the hand of Moses and also
Col. vi 1 of the holy anointed ones. They prophesied deceit in order to divert
Israel from following 2 God. But God remembered the covenant of the very
first, and from Aaron raised men of knowledge and from Israel 3 wise men, and
forced them to listen. And they dug the well: Num 21:18 «A well which the
princes dug, which 4 the nobles of the people delved with the staff*. The well
is the law. And those who dug it are 5 the converts of Israel, who left the land
of Judah and lived in the land of Damascus, 6 all of whom God called princes,
for they sought him, and their renown has not been repudiated 7 in anyone’s
CD VI 7-VII 14
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
37
mouth. Blank And the staff is the interpreter of the law, of whom 8 Isaiah said:
Isa 54:16 «He produces a tool for his labour». Blank And the nobles of the people
are 9 those who have arrived to dig the well with the staves that the sceptre
decreed, 10 to walk in them throughout the whole age of wickedness, and with-
out which they will not obtain it, until there arises 11 he who teaches justice at
the end of days. Blank But all those who have been brought into the covenant
12 shall not enter the temple to kindle his altar in vain. They will be the ones
who close 13 the door, as God said: Alai v.10 «Whoever amongst you will close
its door so that you do not kindle my altar 14 in vain!». Unless they are careful
to act in accordance with the exact interpretation of the law for the age of wick-
edness: to separate themselves 15 from the sons of the pit; to abstain from
wicked wealth which defiles, either by promise or by vow, 16 and from the
wealth of the temple and from stealing from the poor of the people, from mak-
ing their widows their spoils 17 and from murdering orphans; to separate un-
clean from clean and differentiate between 18 the holy and the common; to keep
the sabbath day according to the exact interpretation, and the festivals 19 and
the day of fasting, according to what they had discovered, those who entered
the new covenant in the land of Damascus; 20 to set apart holy portions accord-
ing to their exact interpretation; for each to love his brother 21 like himself; to
strengthen the hand of the poor, the needy and the foreigner; Blank for each to
seek the peace
Col. vii 1 of his brother and not commit sin against his blood relation; to refrain
from fornication 2 in accordance with the regulation; for each to reprove his
brother in accordance with the precept, and not to bear resentment 3 from one
day to the next; to keep apart from every uncleanness according to their regula-
tions, without 4 anyone defiling his holy spirit, according to what God kept
apart for them. For all those who walk 5 according to these matters in perfect
holiness, in accordance with his teaching, God’s covenant is a guarantee for
them 6 that they shall live a thousand generations. Blank And if they reside in
the camps in accordance with the rule of the land, and take 7 women and beget
children, they shall walk in accordance with the law and according to the regu-
lation 8 of the teachings, according to the rule of the law which says: Num3o:i7
«Between a man and his wife, and between a father 9 and his son». But all those
who despise (...) when God visits the earth in order to empty over them the
punishment of the wicked, w when there comes the word which is written in
the words of Isaiah, son of Amoz, the prophet, 11 which says: Isa 7: 17 «There
shall come upon you, upon your people and upon your father’s house, days
such as 12 have <not> come since the day Ephraim departed from Judah». When
the two houses of Israel separated, 13 Ephraim detached itself from Judah, and
all the renegades were delivered up to the sword; but those who remained
steadfast 14 escaped to the land of the north. Blank As he said: Am 5:26-27 «I will
3«
RULES
CD VII 14-VIII 21
deport the Sikkut of your King 15 and the Kiyyum of your images away from
my tent to Damascus)). The books of the law are the Sukkat 76 of the King, as
he said Am 9:11 «I will lift up the fallen Sukkat of David». The King 77 is the
assembly; and the plinths of the images (and the Kiyyum of the images) are the
books of the prophets, 18 whose words Israel despised. Blank And the star is the
Interpreter of the law, 79 who will come to Damascus, as is written: Num 24:13
«A star moves out of Jacob, and a sceptre arises 20 out of Israel)). The sceptre
is the prince of the whole congregation and when he rises he will destroy 21 all
the sons of Seth. Blank These escaped at the time of the first one’s visitation
Col. vm 7 while the renegades were delivered up to the sword. Thus will be the
judgment of all those entering his covenant but who 2 did not remain steadfast
in them; they will have a visitation for destruction at the hand of Belial. This
is the day 3 when God will make a visitation. The princes of Judah are those
upon whom the rage will be vented, 4 for they hope to be healed but it will
cleave to them (?); all are rebels in so far as they have not left the path of 5 the
traitors and have defiled themselves in paths of licentiousness, and with wicked
wealth, and avenging themselves, and each one bearing resentment 6 against his
brother, and each one hating his fellow, and each one despising his blood rela-
tive; 7 they have approached for debauchery and have manipulated with pride
for wealth and gain. Each one did what was right in his eyes 8 and each one has
chosen the stubbornness of his heart. They did not keep apart from the people
and have rebelled with insolence, 9 walking on the path of the wicked, about
whom God says: Dt 32:33 «Their wine is serpents’ venom w and the head of
cruel, harsh asps». The serpents are the kings of the peoples and the wine
77 their paths and the asps’ head is the head of the kings of Greece, which co-
mes to carry out 12 vengeance against them. But all these things the builders of
the wall or those who daub with whitewash, have not understood, for 13 one
who raises wind and preaches lies, has preached to them, the one against whose
congregation God’s wrath has been kindled. 14 And what Moses says: Di 9:5
«Not for your justice, or for the uprightness of your heart are you going to
possess 75 these nations, but because he loved your fathers and keeps the oath».
16 Blank And thus is the judgment of the converts of Israel, who turned aside
from the path of the people: on account of God’s love for 1 7 the very first who
woke up after him, he loves those who come after them, because to them be-
longs 18 the fathers’ covenant. Blank And in my hatred for the builders of the
wall his anger is kindled. Blank And like this judgment 79 will be that of all who
reject God’s precepts and forsake them and move aside in the stubbornness of
their heart. 20 Blank This is the word which Jeremiah spoke to Baruch, son of
Neriah, and Elishah 21 to Giezi his servant. Blank All the men who entered the
new covenant in the land of Damascus
CD XV-XVI 6
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
39
[The copies from Cave 4 show that the sheets which comprise text A of the
Genizah (ad-a) have not been published in the correct sequence. Apparently
several sheets have been lost and in any case, columns xv-xvi came before col-
umns ix-xiv. The translation follows this sequence, although for each column
it retains the number assigned by the first editor.]
Col. xv 1 [He will not sw]ear by the Aleph and the Lamed (’el = God) nor by
the Aleph and the Daleth (’adonai = The Lord), but by the oath of the youths,
2 by the curses of the covenant. Blank Neither should one mention the law of
Moses, for [. . .] 3 Blank And if he swears and transgresses, he would profane the
name. Blank And if he swfears] by the curses of the covenant [he should do it
before] 4 the judges. Blank If he transgresses, he will be guilty and will have to
confess and make amends but he shall not be liable [for sin and shall not] 5 die.
Blank Whoever enters the covenant, for all Israel for an eternal law, he must
impose upon his sons, 6 who belong to those who are enrolled, the oath of the
covenant. Blank And such is 7 the regulation, throughout all the age of wicked-
ness, for whoever goes back from his path of corruption. On the day when he
talks 8 to the Inspector of the Many, they shall enrol him with the covenant
oath which Moses established 9 with Israel, the covenant to rev[ert to] the law
of Moses with the whole heart [and with the whole] 10 soul, to what has been
discovered that has to be put into practice in all of the a[ge of wickedness]. But
no-one should make him know 11 the precepts until he stands in front of the
Inspector, lest he appears to be simple when they test him. 12 But when he has
imposed upon himself to return to the law of Moses with all his heart and all
his soul 13 [they will exact revenge] from him if he should sin. Blank And if he
fulfils all that has been revealed of the law [for the multitude] 14 [of the camp],
the Overseer should teach him and give orders concerning him which he
should learn 13 throughout a full year. And in accordance with (his) knowledge
<he will approach. And no-one> stupid or deranged (should enter); and anyone
feeble[- minded and insane,] /6 those with sightless [eyes, the lame or one who
stumbles, or a deaf person, or an under-age boy, none of these] 17 should enter
[the congregation, since the holy angels are in its midst.] 18 [...]... ig [...]...
20 [...]...
Col. xvi 1 with you a covenant and with all Israel. Therefore, the man will make
binding upon <his> soul to return to 2 the law of Moses, for in it all is defined.
Blank And the exact interpretation of their ages about the blindness 3 of Israel
in all these matters, behold, it is defined in the book «of the divisions of the
periods 4 according to their jubilees and their weeks*. And on the day on which
the man has pledged himself to return 5 to the law of Moses, the angel
Mastema will turn aside from following him, should he keep his word. 6 This
is why Abraham circumcised himself on the day of his knowledge. Blank And
40
RULES
CD XVI 6-ix 17
as for what he said: 0123:24 «What issues from your mouth, 7 keep it and carry
it out». Every binding oath by which anyone has pledged 8 to fulfil the letter of
the law, he should not annul, even at the price of death. Blank Anything by
which 9 he might pledge to turn away fr[om the la]w, he should not fulfil, not
even when the price is death. 10 Concerning the oath of a woman. Since he
says: Num 30: 7-9 <dt is for the husband to annul her oath», 11 no-one should an-
nul an oath if he does not know whether he should carry it out [...]. or annul
it. 12 If it is to violate the covenant, he should annul it and should not carry it
out. Blank And the regulation applies also to her father. 13 Concerning the regu-
lation for freewill-offerings. No-one should dedicate anything, obtained by
unjust means, to the altar. Neither 14 should the priests take from Israel (any-
thing obtained by unjust means). No-one should pronounce holy the food 15 [of
his mouth for G]od, for this is what he says: Mic 7:2 «Each one traps his fellow
with anathema». Blank And no-one should 16 pronounce holy anything of [...]
his possession 17 he will pronounce holy [. . .] will be punished, 18 he who dedi-
cates [. . .] 1 9 in order to judge [. . .] 20
Col. ix 1 Blank Every man who gives a human person to anathema shall be exe-
cuted according to the laws of the gentiles. 2 And what it says: Lev 19:18 «Do not
avenge yourself or bear resentment against the sons of your people»: everyone
of those who entered 3 the covenant who brings an accusation against his fel-
low, unless it is with reproach before witnesses, 4 or who brings it when he is
angry, or he tells it to his elders so that they despise him, he is «the one who
avenges himself and bears resentment)). 5 Blank Is it not perhaps written that
only Nah 1:2 «he (God) avenges himself and bears resentment against his ene-
mies))? 6 If he kept silent about him from one day to the other, or accused him
of a capital offence, 7 he has witnessed against himself, for he did not fulfil the
commandment of God which tells him: Lev 19:17 «You shall 8 reproach your
fellow so as not to incur sin because of him». Blank Concerning the oath. As for
what he 9 said: 1 Sm 25:26 «You shall not do justice with your (own) hand», but
whoever forces the making of an oath in the open field, 10 not in the presence
of judges or at their command, has done justice for himself with his hand.
Every lost object 11 about which it is not known who stole it from the property
of the camp in which it was stolen -its owner should make a maledictory
12 oath; whoever hears it, if he knows and does not say it, is guilty. 13 Blank
Every illegal object which should be given back and has no owner - he who
gives it back should confess to the priest 14 and it will be for himself, apart
from the ram of the sin-offering. Blank And in the same way, every lost object
which has been found and has 15 no owner, will be for the priests, for he who
found it does not know the regulation in its regard; 16 if its owner is not found,
they shall keep it. Blank Any matter in which a man sins 17 against the law, and
his fellow sees him and he is alone; if it is a capital matter, he shall denounce
CD IX 17-XI 3
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
41
him 18 in his presence, with reproach, to the Inspector, and the Inspector shall
write with his hand until he commits it ig again in the presence of someone
alone, and he denounces him to the Inspector; if he returns and is surprised in
the presence of 20 someone alone, his judgment is complete; but if they are
two, one and one, who testify about 21 a different matter, the man is only to be
excluded from the pure food on condition that 22 they are trustworthy, and that
on the same day on which he saw him, he denounces him to the Inspector. And
concerning riches, they shall accept two 23 trustworthy witnesses. And one, to
exclude from the holy food. A witness is not to be accepted
Col. x 1 by the judges to condemn to death on his word, if he has not completed
his days to pass 2 among those who are recruited, and is fearful of God. Blank
No-one 3 who has consciously transgressed anything of a precept is to be be-
lieved as a witness against his fellow, until he has been purified to return.
4 Blank And this is the rule of the judges of the congregation. Ten men in num-
ber, chosen 5 from among the congregation, for a period; four from the tribe
of Levi and of Aaron and six from Israel; 6 learned in the book of hagy and
in the principles of the covenant; between 7 twenty-five and sixty years. And
no-one over 8 sixty years should hold the office of judging the congregation, for
on account of man’s sin g his days were shortened, and because of God’s wrath
against the inhabitants of the earth, he decided to remove knowledge 10 from
them before they completed their days. Concerning purification with water.
11 No-one should bathe in water which is dirty or which is less than the amount
which covers a man. 12 Blank No-one should purify a vessel in it. And every
cavity in the rock in which there is not the amount 13 which covers, if an im-
pure person has touched it, he has defiled the water like the water of a vase.
14 Concerning the sabbath, to observe it in accordance with its regulation. Blank
No-one should do 13 work on the sixth day, from the moment when the sun’s
disc is 16 at a distance of its diameter from the gate, for this is what he says:
Dt 5:12 «Observe the 17 sabbath day to keep it holy». And on the day of the sab-
bath, no-one should say a 18 useless or stupid word. He is not to lend anything
to his fellow. He is not to discuss riches or gain, ig He is not to speak about
matters of work or of the task to be carried out on the following day. 20 Blank
No-one is to walk in the field to do the work which he wishes 2/ <on> the sab-
bath. He is not to walk more than one thousand cubits outside the city. 22 Blank
No-one is to eat on the sabbath day except what has been prepared; and from
what is lost 23 in the field, he should not eat. And he should not drink except
of what there is in the camp.
Col. xi 1 On the road, if he goes down to bathe, he should drink where he
stands. Blank But he is not to draw it with 2 any vessel. He is not to send a for-
eigner to do what he wishes on the sabbath day. 3 Blank No-one is to wear dirty
42
RULES
CD XI 3-XII 11
clothes or (clothes) which are in the chest, unless 4 they have been washed with
water or rubbed with incense. Blank No-one should fast voluntarily 5 on the
sabbath. Blank No-one should go after an animal to pasture it outside his city,
except for 6 a thousand cubits. Blank He is not to raise his hand to strike with
the fist. Blank If 7 it is stubborn, he should not remove it from his house. Blank
No-one should remove anything from the house 8 to outside, or from outside
to the house. Even if he is in a hut, he should remove nothing from it 9 or
bring anything into it. He is not to open a sealed vessel on the sabbath. Blank
No-one should wear 10 perfumes on the sabbath, to go out or come in. Blank In
his dwelling no-one should lift 1 1 a stone or dust. Blank The wet-nurse should
not lift the baby to go out or come in on the sabbath. 12 Blank No-one should
press his servant or his maidservant or his employee on the sabbath. Blank {Not}
No-one should help an animal give birth on the sabbath day. Blank And if he
makes it fall into a well 14 or a pit, he should not take it out on the sabbath.
Blank No-one should stay in a place close 7 5 to gentiles on the sabbath. Blank No-
one should profane the sabbath by riches or gain on the sabbath. 16 Blank And
any living man who falls into a place of water or into a place <...>, 77 no-one
should take him out with a ladder or a rope or a utensil. Blank No-one should
offer anything upon the altar on the sabbath, 18 except the sacrifice of the sab-
bath, for thus is it written: Lev 23:38 «except your offerings of the sabbath*. Blank
No-one should send 79 to the altar a sacrifice, or an offering, or incense, or
wood, by the hand of a man impure from any 20 of the impurities, so allowing
him to defile the altar, for it is written: Prov 15:8 «the sacrifice 21 of the wicked
is an abomination, but the prayer of the just is like an agreeable offering*. Blank
And everyone who enters 22 the house of prostration should not enter with
impurity requiring washing; and when the trumpets of the assembly sound, 23
he may advance or retreat, but the whole service should not stop. . .
Col. xii 7 it is holy. No man should sleep with his wife in the city of the temple,
defiling 2 the city of the temple with their impurity. Blank Every /man/ over
whom the spirit of Belial dominates 3 and he preaches apostasy, will be judged
according to the regulation of the necromancer or the diviner. But every one
who goes astray, 4 defiling the sabbath and the festivals, shall not be executed,
for guarding him 5 belongs to men; and if he is cured of it, they shall guard
him for seven years and afterwards 6 he shall enter the assembly. Blank He is not
to stretch out his hand to shed the blood of one of the gentiles 7 for the sake of
riches and gain. Blank Neither should he take any of his riches, so that they do
not 8 blaspheme, except on the advice of the company of Israel. Blank No-one
should sell an animal, 9 or a clean bird, to the gentiles lest they sacrifice them.
Blank 10 And he should not sell them anything from his granary or his press, at
any price. And his servant and his maidservant: he should not sell them, 77 for
they entered the covenant of Abraham with him. Blank No-one should defile his
CD XII 1 1 — XIII 15
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
43
soul 12 with any living being or one which creeps, by eating them, from the
larvae of bees to every living 13 being which creeps in water. And fish: they
should not eat them unless they have been opened up 14 alive, and the[ir blood
poured] away. And all the locusts, according to their kind, shall be put into fire
or into water 13 while they are still alive, as this is the regulation for their spe-
cies. And all the wood and the stones 16 and the dust which are defiled by
man’s impurity, by defilement of oil in them, 17 in accordance with their un-
cleanness will make whoever touches them impure. Blank And every utensil,
{nail} nail or peg in the wall 18 which is with a dead person in the house will be
unclean with the same uncleanness as tools for work, ig Blank Rule for the as-
sembly of the cities of Israel. In accordance with these regulations, to keep
20 the unclean apart from the clean, and distinguish between holy and profane.
Blank And these are the ordinances 21 for the Instructor, so that he walks in
them with every living thing, according to the regulation for every time. And
in accordance with this regulation 22 shall the seed of Israel walk and it will not
be cursed. Blank And this is the rule of the assembly 23 [of the ca]mps. Those
who walk in them, in the time of wickedness until there arises the messiah of
Aaron
Col. xiii 1 and Israel, they shall be ten in number as a minimum to (form) thou-
sands, hundreds, fifties 2 and tens. And in the place of ten, a priest learned in
the book of hagy should not be lacking; and by 3 his authority all shall be
governed. And if there should not be an expert in them all, and one of the
levites is an expert 4 in them, the lot has fallen to all the members of the camp
to go out and come in, on his authority. Blank But if 5 there is a judgment
against anyone about the law of leprosy, the priest shall take his place in the
camp 6 and the Inspector shall instruct him in the exact interpretation of the
law. Blank Even if he is a simpleton, he is the one who shall intern him, for his
is 7 the judgment. Blank And this is the rule of the Inspector of the camp. He
shall instruct the Many in the deeds of 8 God, and shall teach them his mighty
marvels, and recount to them the eternal events with their solutions, g He shall
have pity on them like a father on his sons, and will heal all the strays (?) like
a shepherd his flock. 10 He will undo all the chains which bind them, so that
there will be neither harassed nor oppressed in his congregation. 11 Blank And
everyone who joins his congregation, he should examine, concerning his ac-
tions, his intelligence, his strength, his courage and his wealth; 12 and they shall
inscribe him in his place according to his condition in the lot of light. Blank No-
one 13 of the members of the camp should have authority to introduce anyone
into the congregation against the decision] of the Inspector of the camp.
14 Blank And none of those who have entered the covenant of God «should
either take anything from or give (anything) to» the sons of the pit, 15 except
for «from hand to hand». Blank And no-one should make a deed of purchase or
44
RULES
CD XIII 15-XIV 22
of sale without informing 16 the Inspector of the camp and making a contract;
and he is not [...] ... 17 [...] And likewise, the one who divorces (?); [. ..] jS[...]
they shall reply to him and with compassionate love shall not bear resentment
against them [...] 19 [...] and the one which is not tied [...] 20 [...] Blank And
this is the assembly of the camps in all [...] 21 [...] they shall not succeed in
dwelling in the land [. . .] 22 [. . . These are the regulations ] for the Instructor,
[to follow them...]
Col. xiv 1 as have not come since the day on which Ephraim became separated
from Judah»; and (to) all those who walk in them, 2 the covenant of God is
faithful to save them from all the nets of the pit, for <they will come) suddenly
and be punished. 3 Blank Rule of the session of all the camps. All shall be en-
listed by their names: the priests first, 4 the levites second, the children of Is-
rael third, and the proselyte fourth; and they shall be inscribed by their
[na]mes, 5 each one after his brother; the priests first, the levites second, the
children of Israel 6 third and the proselyte fourth. And thus shall they sit and
thus shall they be questioned about everything. And the priest who is named
7 [at the he]ad of the Many will be between thirty and sixty years old, learned
in the book of 8 [hagy] and in all the regulations of the law, to say them in
accordance with their regulations. Blank And the Inspector who is 9 over all the
camps will be between thirty years and sixty years of age, master of every
10 secret of men and of every language according to their families. On his au-
thority, the members of the assembly shall enter, 11 each one in his turn; and
every affair which any man needs to say to the Inspector, should say it 12 in
connection with any dispute or judgment. Blank And this is the rule of the
Many, to provide for all their needs: the salary 13 of two days each month at
least. They shall place it in the hand of the Inspector and of the judges. 14
From it they shall give to the orphans and with it they shall strengthen the
hand of the needy and the poor, and to the elder who 15 [is dy]ing, and to the
vagabond, and to the prisoner of a foreign people, and to the girl who 16 has no
protector, and to the unma[rried woman] who has no suitor; and for all the
works of the company, and 17 [the house of the company shall not be deprived
of its means]. Blank And this is the exact interpretation of the session of [the
Many, and these are the foundations] 18 [which the assembly make.] Blank And
this is the exact interpretation of the regulations by which [they shall be ruled]
ig [until there arises the messiah] of Aaron and Israel. He shall atone for their
sins [. . . pardon, and guilt] 20 [. . .] in riches, although he knows, and [. . .] 21 [. . .]
he shall be punished for six days. And he who spe[aks. . .] 22 [. . .] without justifi-
cation, [shall be punished for a] year [. . .]
CD XIX 1-26
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
45
Damascus Document* (cd-b)
Col. xix (= cd-a vii, 5- 10; viii, 2-21) 1 is a guarantee for them that they shall
live a thousand generations. Blank As it is written: Di 7:9 «He keeps the covenant
and favour 2 for those who love him and keep his precepts for a thousand gen-
erations*. And if they reside in the camps in accordance with the rule of 3 the
land, as it was since ancient times, and take wives in accordance with the cus-
tom of the law, and beget children, 4 they shall walk in accordance with the
law. Blank And according to the regulation of the teachings, according to the
rule of the law 5 which says: Num 30:17 «/Between/ a man and his wife, and
between a father and his son». But (over) all those who despise the precepts 6
and the ordinances, may be emptied over them the punishment of the wicked,
when God visits the earth, 7 when there comes the word which is written by
the hand of Zechariah, the prophet: Zech 13:7 «Wake up, sword, 8 against my
shepherd, and against the male who is my companion -oracle of God -wound
the shepherd and scatter the flock 9 and I shall return my hand upon the little
ones*. Those who are faithful to him are the poor ones of the flock. 10 These
shall escape in the age of the visitation; but those that remain shall be delivered
up to the sword when there comes the messiah 11 of Aaron and Israel. As hap-
pened in the age of the visitation of the first one, as {Ezekiel} said 12 by the
hand of Ezekiel: Ez 9:4 « {mark} To mark with a tau the foreheads of those who
sigh and groan*. 13 But those who remained were delivered up to the sword,
which carries out the vengeance of the covenant. Thus will be the judgment of
all who entered 14 his covenant, but did not remain steadfast in these precepts;
they shall be visited for destruction at the hand of Belial. 15 This is the day
when God will make a visitation, as he says: Hoss.-io «The princes of Judah will
be like those who move 16 the boundary, upon them he will pour out his fury
like w[ater]». For they entered the covenant of conversion, 17 but did not keep
themselves apart from the path of traitors and defiled themselves by paths of
licentiousness and with wicked wealth, 18 avenging themselves, each one bear-
ing resentment against his brother and each one hating his fellow, and each one
despising 19 his blood relative; they have approached for debauchery and have
manipulated with pride for wealth and gain {. . .} 20 Each one did what was right
[in his] eyes and each one has chosen the stubbornness of his heart. They did
not keep apart from the people 21 and from their sins. And they have [rebe]lled
with insolence, walking on the path of the wicked, about whom 22 God says:
Dt 32:33 «Their wine is serpents’ venom and the head of cruel, harsh asps*. The
serpents 23 are the kings of the peoples and the wine, their paths and the asps’
head is the head 24 of the kings of Greece, which comes to carry out vengeance
against them. But the builders of 25 the wall have not understood all of these
things, nor those who daub with whitewash, because of one who raises up
storms, and preaches 26 lies, to the man, the one against whose congregation
46
RULES
CD XIX 26-XX 18
God’s wrath has been kindled. Blank And what Moses says 27 to Israel: Dt 9:5 and
7:8 «Not for your justice, or for the uprightness of your heart are you going to
possess these nations, 28 but because he loved your fathers and keeps the oath».
So is 29 the judgment] of the converts of Israel, who turned away from the
path of the people on account of God’s love. He loves the very first 30 who
testified against the people, following God, and those who come after them,
because to them belongs 31 the fathers’ covenant. And God hates and detests
the builders of the wall and his anger is kindled against them and against all
32 those who follow them. And like this judgment will be that of all who reject
God’s precepts {...} 33 and forsake them and move aside in the stubbornness
of their heart. And thus, all the men who entered the new 34 covenant in the
land of Damascus and turned and betrayed and departed from the well of liv-
ing waters, 35 shall not be counted in the assembly of the people and shall not
be inscribed in their [lisjts, from the day of the session {of him who te<aches>
/ of the teacher}
Col. xx 1 of the unique Teacher until there arises the messiah of Aaron and
Israel. Blank And so is the judgment 2 of everyone who enters the congregation
of the men of perfect holiness and is slack in the fulfilment of the instructions
of the upright. 3 This is the man who is melted in the crucible. Blank When his
deeds are evident, he shall be expelled from the congregation, 4 like one whose
lot did not fall among the disciples of God. In accordance with his misdeed, all
the men 5 of knowledge shall reproach him, until the day when he returns to
take his place in the session of the men of perfect holiness {for 6 his lot is not
in the midst of}. But when his deeds are evident, according to the exact inter-
pretation of the law in which 7 the men of perfect holiness walked, no-one
should associate with him in wealth or work, 8 for all the holy ones of the Most
High have cursed him. And (proceed) according to this judgment, with all
those who despise, among the first 9 as among the last, for they have placed
idols in their heart {and have placed} and have walked in the stubbornness of
10 their heart. For them there shall be no part in the house of the law. Blank
They shall be judged according to the judgment of their companions, who
turned round 11 with insolent men, for they spoke falsehood about the holy
regulations and despised 1 2 the covenant {of God} and the pact which they
established in the land of Damascus, which is the first covenant. 1 3 And neither
for them nor their families shall there shall be a part in the house of the law.
Blank And from the day 14 of the gathering in of the unique teacher, until the
destruction of all the men of war who turned back 15 with the man of lies,
there shall be about forty years. Blank And in this age the wrath 16 of God will
be kindled against Israel, as he says: Has 3:4 «There shall be no king, no prince,
no judge, no-one [who] 17 reproaches in justice)). But the converts from the sin
of [Ja]cob, those keeping the covenant of God, shall then speak, each 18 to his
CD XX-4QD'
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
47
fellow, each one to make his brother holy, so that their steps become steady in
the path of God, and God pays attention to / g their words. And he will listen;
and it will be written in a book of remembrance [before him] for those who fear
God and think on 20 his name, until salvation and justice are revealed to those
who fear [God. And they shall distinguish] again between the just 21 and the
wicked, between whoever serves God and whoever does not serve him. He
shows mercy to [thousands,] to whoever loves him 22 and whoever is faithful
to him, for a thousand generations. [... those of] the house of Peleg, who left
the holy city 23 and leaned on God in the age of Israel’s unfaithfulness; but
they defiled the temple and turned back 24 to the pa[th] of the people in some
things. All these, each one according to his spirit, shall be judged in the holy
25 council. Blank And all, among those who entered the covenant, transgressing
the limits of the law, when 26 the glory of God is manifested to Israel, shall be
cut off from amongst the camp, and with them all the wicked men of 27 Judah
in the days of the purges. Blank But all those who remain steadfast in these
regulations, coming 28 and going in accordance with the law, and listen to the
Teacher’s voice, and confess before God: ((Assuredly 29 have we sinned, both
we and our fathers, walking contrary to the ordinances of the covenant; justice
30 and truth are your judgments against us»; and they do not raise their hand
against his holy regulations and his just 31 judgments and his truthful stipula-
tions; and they are instructed in the first ordinances, 32 in conformity with
which the men of the Unique One were judged; and they lend their ears to the
voice of the Teacher of Righteousness; and do not reject 33 the holy regulations
when they hear them; these shall exult and rejoice and their heart will be
strong, and they shall prevail 34 over all the sons of the world. And God will
atone for them, and they shall see his salvation, for they have taken refuge in
his holy name.
B Copies from Cave 4
4QDamascus Document" (4Q266 [4QD"])
Frag. 1 (lines 2 - 8 = 4Q d* 11, 1 - 6; lines 9 - 17 = CD - A 1, 1 - 1 1) / [. . . .the] final
[generations.] Did not, perhaps. . .[...]? 2 [.. .] this is his beginning and this, his
end [...] 3 [...until] there comes upon them, for ... [...] 4 [... for there is no]
before or after in his festivals [...] 5 Blank Did he not, perhaps, establish the
time of an[ger for those who do not know] 6 [. . .] will, for those who examine
his precepts and [walk on the perfect] 7 path and [... and examine hidden
things and open their ears and [hear profound things] A’ and understand every-
thing that happens when it comes upon them. Blank [. . .] 9 Now, then, listen to
me, all you who know justice, and understand the deeds [of God; for he has a
dispute] jo [with all flesh,] and will carry out judgment against all those who
48
RULES
4QDa~*
despise him. For when they were unfaithful in] n [abandoning him, he hid his
fa]ce from Israel [and] from his sanctuary, and delivered] them [up to the
sword. But when he remembered] 12 [the covenant of the very] first, he
preserved a re]mnant for Israel and did [not deliver them up to destruction.]
13 [And at the moment of wrath,] three hundred and ninfety ye]ars [after hav-
ing delivered them up into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar,] 14 [king of Baby-
lon,] he visited them and cau[sed to sprout from Isra]el and from Aar[on] a
shofot of the planting, in order to possess] is [his land and to become fat with
the good] things of his soil. And they realised their s]in and knew that they
were] 16 [guilty men; but they were like blind persons and like those who look]
for the pa[th by groping w over twenty years. And] 17 [God appraised their
deeds, because they sought] him [with a perfect heart and raised up for them
a Teacher of Righteousness]
Frag. 2 (= CD-A XIV, 2-6) 1 [and (to) all those who walk in them, the covenant
of God is faithful, to save them from a]ll 2 [the nets of the pit, for (they come)
suddenly and /. . . / Rule of the session of all the camps. All shall be en]listed
3 [by their names: the priests first, the levites second, the children of Israel
thi]rd, 4 [and the proselyte fourth; and they shall be inscribed by their [na]mes,
each one after his brother; the priests first,] the levites 5 [second, the children
of Israel third and the proselyte fourth. And thus shall they sit and th]us shall
they be questioned about
Frag. 3 ]. . .the holy[ one(s)
4QDamascus Document* (4Q267 [4QD*])
Frag. 1 1 [.. .the so]ns of light to depart from the pa[ths of. . .] 2 [. . .] until the
completion of time of the visitation [...] 3 [...] all their deeds. The flames [. . .]
4 ... [. . . a]ll those who move the boundary, and he shall wreak destruction [. . .]
5 the evil [. . .] ... and he shall make them know ... [. . .] 6 the terrible [. . .] his
marvel (?), he will tell them [...] 7 of man [...] the heavens, who lives ... [...]
Sin the depths of [...] 9 the seal [...] 10-13 [■■■] 14 in the precep[ts. . .] 15 in the
offering [. . .] ?6 the voice of Moses [. . .] 17 he slanders the laws and precepts of
God [...] 18 the small and the great ... [...] 19 We show, then, [...] 20 he has
destroyed you [...] 21 you shall get up and understand [...] 22 [...] they shall
reject [...we are dust] 23 and ashes, and whoever [...not] 24 understand [...]
*5 ■■■[■■■]
Frag. 2 col. 1 (lines 1-6 = 4QDS 1, 2-8; lines 6-23 = cd-a i, 1-20) 1 [this is his
beginning and this is his end...] until 2 [there comes upon them, for ...] for
there is no advancing or delaying his festivals. 3 [. . .] Did he not, perhaps, es-
4QD* 2 I — II
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
49
tablish the time of anger for those who do not know 4 [. . . will, for those who
exa]mine his precepts and walk on the perfect path 5 [. . . and examine hidden
things andj open their ears and hear profound things and understand 6 [every-
thing that happens when it comes upon them. Blank ] Now then, listen, all those
of you who know 7 justice, and understand the actions [of God; for he has a
dispute with] all flesh and will carry out judgment 8 against all those who spurn
[him. For when they were unfaithful in forsaking him,] he hid his fa[ce from
Is]rael and from his sanctuary g and delivered them up to the sword. However,
when he remembered the covenant of the very first, he saved a remnant] for
Israel and did not 10 deliver them up to destruction. And at the moment of
wrath,] three [hundred and ninety years] after having delivered them up into
the hands u of Ne[buchadne]zzar, king of Babylon, he visited them [and
caused to sprout from Israel] and from Aar[on] a shoot 12 [of the pla]nting, in
order to possess [his land and to become fat with the good things of his soil.
And they realised their s]in and knew 13 that they were guilty men; [but they
were like blind persons and like those who look] for the path by groping over
twenty [years. 14 And God appraised their [deeds, because they sought him
with a perfect heart and raised up for them a Teacher of Righteousness,] 15 in
order to direct them in the path of his heart. [And in order to make known to
the last generations what] 16 he had done to the final generation, the congrega-
tion of traitors. These are the ones who stray from the path. This is the time
1 7 about which it has been written: Hos 4:16 «Like a stray heifer so has Israel
strayed», 18 when ‘the sco[ffer’ arose, who scattered the waters of lies over Is-
rael and] made them stray into a wilderness ig without path, flattening the ever-
lasting [heights, diverging from tracks of justice and] removing the boundary
with which the original ones had marked [their inheritance, so that the curjses
of his covenant [would adhere to them,] 21 to deliver them up to the sw[ord
carrying out the vengeance of the covenant. For they sought] easy interpreta-
tions, 22 chose illusions, [scrutinised loopholes, chose the handsome] neck,
acquitted 23 [the guilty and sentenced the just, violated the covenant broke the
precept,] colluded together against 24 [the life of the just man, their soul abomi-
nated all those who walk in perfection, they hunted them down with the sword
and provoked the dispute of the people.]
Frag. 2 col 11 (= CD- A 1, 21-11, 21) 1 And kindled was the wrath of God against
his congregation, [laying waste all its great number, for their deeds were un-
clean] 2 before him. Now, then, lis[ten to me, all who enter the covenant, and
I will open your ears to the paths of the wicked] 3 and from all the tracks of s[in
I shall divert you. God loves knowledge; wisdom and counsel] 4 has he estab-
lished before himself; pruden[ce and knowledge are at his service; patience is
his and abundance of pardons to atone] 5 for those who turn back from
wickefdness. . .] 6 without there being servicef. . . For God did not choose them]
—
50 RULES 4QD42-3I1
7 at the beginning of the world, [and before they were established he knew their
deeds, and abominated the generations on account of blood,] Sand hid his fa[ce
from the country. . . until their extinction. And he knew the years of their exis-
tence,] 9 and the number and detail [of their ages, of all those who exist over
the centuries, and of those who will exist,] to until it ocfcurs in their ages
throughout all the everlasting years. And in all of them he raised up for him-
self,] a famous pefople, to leave a remnant for the country and in order to fill
the face of the universe] 12 with their offspring. And he taught them by the
hand of the anointed ones through his holy spirit and through seers of the
truth.] 13 With precision their names [were established. But those he hates, he
causes to stray. Now, then, my sons, listen] 14 to me [and I shall open your eyes
so that you can see and understand the deeds of God, so that you can choose
what] 15 he is [pleased with and repudiate what he hates. . . so that you can walk]
16 perfectly on all his paths [and not allow yourselves to be attracted by the
thoughts of a guilty inclination and lascivious eyes. For many went astray for
these things;] 17 brave heroes yieldfed on their account, from ancient times
until now. For having walked in the stubbornness of their hearts] 18 the Watch-
ers of the [heavens fell; on its account they were caught, for they did not follow
the precepts of God; in the same way their sons fell, whose height was like that
of cedars] 19 [and whose bodies were like] mountains. [All flesh which there was
in the dry earth decayed and became] 20 as if it had never [been, for having
realized their desires and failing to keep their creator’s precepts, until] 21 his
wrath [flared up against them. 22 [. . .]
Frag. 3 col. 1 (= cd-a iv, 8- 10) 7 [the law in which the very first were instructed
until] the period 8 [of these years is complete. According to the covenant which
God established with the very] first, in order to atone 9 [for their sins, so will
God atone for them. But when the period is complete] corresponding to [the
number]
Frag. 3 col. 11 (= CD - A v, 12 - vi, 7) 9 [God’s covenant, saying: «they are un-
founded*. They speak abomination against] them. [They are all igniters of fire,]
10 [kindlers of blazes; webs of a spider are their webs, and their eggs are
vi]per’s eg[gs. Whoever is close] 11 [to them will not be unpunished; even more
so, if the fault is greater, unless he has been compjelled. For since ancient
[times God visited] 12 [their] deeds, [and his wrath flared up against their ac-
tions, «for it is a people] in which there is no intelligence*, [they are a nation]
13 [be]reft of counsels [in that there is no intelligence in them. For in ancient]
times there afrose Moses] 14 [and Aa]ron, by the hand of the pri[nce of lig]hts,
[and Belial, raised up Jan]nes and [his brother] 13 with his [cunning] [during the
wickedness] during the first deliverance of Israel.] And in the [age of devasta-
tion of] ib [the land there a]rose those who removed the boundary [and made
4Qd“ 3 ii -iv
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
51
Israel stray. And they razed the countryside, for they spoke] 77 [of rebellion
against] God’s precepts through the hand of [Moses and also of the holy
anointed ones. They prophesied deceit] 18 [in order to divjert Israel from fol-
lowing [God. But God remembered the covenant of the very first, and from]
ig [Aaron] raised men of knowledge /and from Israel wi[se men], and forced
them to lisften.] /as Moses sa[ys: «. . ..] 20 [. . . with the spa]de». The well is the
[law. And those who dug it are the converts of Israel,] 21 [who left the] land of
Judah and lived [in the land of Damascus, all of whom God called] 22 [princes,
for they sought him, and their renown] has not [been repudiated in anyone’s
mouth.]
Frag. 3 col. in (= cd -a vi, 9-17) 3 [that the spade decreed, to walk in them
throughout the whole age of wickedness, and without whi]ch they will [not]
4 [obtain it, until there arises he who teaches justice at the end of days.] But all
those who have been brought 5 [into the cove]nant shall not [enter the temple
to kindle his altar in vain.] He is the one who closes the door, 6 as God [said:
Mai 1:10 «Whoever amongst you will close its door so that you do not kind]le my
altar in vain!». 7 [Un]less [they are care]ful [to act in accordance with the exact
interpretation of the law for the a]ge of wicke[dness: to be keep] apart from the
sons of 8 [the p]it; [to abstain from wicked wealth which defiles, either by]
promise or by [vow, and from the wealth of the] g [temple and from stealing
from the poor of the people, from making their wi]dows their spo[ils, and or-
phans]
Frag. 3 col. iv (= cd-a vii, 1 1 — vm, 9) ; as for what he sa[ys: Isa 7:77 «There
shall come upon you, upon your people and upon your father’s house, days
such as] 2 have not comfe since the day Ephraim separated from Judah». When
the two houses of Israel separated,] 3 all [the renegades were delivered up to the
sword...] 4 [...] 5 [...] 6 [The King is the assembly; [and the plinths of the
imag]es are the b[ooks of] the prophets, 7 whose wo[rds Israel despised. And
the star] is the Interpreter of the] law, 8 [who will come] to Damascus, as is
written: Num 24:13 «[A star] moves out [of Jacob 9 [and a sceptre ari]ses out of
Israel». The sceptre is the prince [of the whole congregation] 10 [and when he
rises he will demolish | all the sons of Seth. Blank The[se will escape in the age
of] 77 t[he first one’s visitation.] Blank And the renegades will [be delivered up]
to the sword. [Thus will be the judg]ment of 12 [all those entering his covenant
but do not remain steadfast [ in these;] they will have a visitation for destruc-
tion] at the hand of 13 [Belial.] This is the day when [God] will make a visita-
tion, as [he says:] «Today 14 [. . .»] the day when 75 [. . .] all the rebels 16 [in so far
as they have not left the path of the traitors and have been defined by paths of
licentiousness 77 [and by wicked wealth and avenging themselves, and each one
bearing resentment against his brother and] each one [hating his] fellow, 18 [and
52
RULES
4QD*4-7
each one despising his blood relative;] they have approached [for debauchery
and have manipulated with pride for wealth] ig [and gain. Each one did what
was right in his ey]es and each one has chos[en the stubbornness of his heart.]
20 [They did not keep apart from the people and have rebelled with a raised
hand] walking on the path of the wicked]
Frag. 4 (= cd-b xx, 33-34) ; [and they shall rejoice] and their heart [will be
strong, and they shall dominate all the sons of the world.] 2 [And God will
atone for them, and they] shall see his salvatjion for they have taken refuge in
his holy name.] 3 [. . .]and they shall strengthen
Frag. 5 / [. . . the regulations [. . .] ... 2 [. . .] for all the upright of heart in Israel
3 [...] the regulations of his justice [...] 4 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 6 col. 1 6 [...] and they restore strength in leprosy [...] 7 [the holy men
who are strengthened by his ho[ly] name [...]£ [and he binds himself to re-
turn...]... for in Judah [...] 9 [...] Israel when he arises [...] to instruct w
[. . .pe]ace. Blank And all those [of Israel] who are [left. . .] ?/[... for] each one [to
approach him according to his spirit [...] for 12 [...] ... they shall depart in
accordance with the Inspector [. . .] 13 [. . .] in them [shall] walk all the converts
of Israel [...] 14 [...] the sons of Zadok, the priests. Behold, [...] 13 [... the
exact interpretation] of the last law. And these are the ordinances for the
Instructor...] 16 [...] in them for all Israel, for [...] not 17 [...]... to walk in ...
[...]
Frag. 6 col. 11 / [. . .] And anyone who [speaks weakly or with a faltering sound],
2 [without] separating his words to make [his voice] heard [should not read in
the book of] 3 [the Torah], so that he will not lead to error in a capital matter
[. . .] 4 [. . .] to his brothers, the priests, in service. [. . . And whoever] 5 of the sons
of Aaron has been a captive among the gentiles [. . .should not enter] 6 to defile
it with his impurity. He should not approach the service [. . .] 7 in the house of
the veil, and should not eat of the most holy things [. . .] 8 Whoever of the sons
of Aaron emigrates to se[rve ...] 9 with him in the council of the people, and
also to betray ...[... And whoever of the sons of] 10 Aaron has caused the name
of truth to fall [... walking] 11 in the stubbornness of his heart to eat of the
holy [...] 12 of Israel the council of the sons of Aaron ... [...] u he who eats
shall incur the fault of the blood [...] 14 in genealogy (?). Blank And this is the
rule of the session of [. . .] 15 of holiness in their [camps and in] their cities in
a[ll — ] 76 [. . .] the ses[sion of . . . j
Frag. 7 7 [...] of the blood [...] 2 [...] of a man on the he[ad...] 3 [...] a flock in
one [...]*[...] his eyes [...] j [...] ... [...]
4Qd* 8-12
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
53
Frag. 8 i 2 [...] destroys [. . .] 3 his betrayal. No-one should keep [...]
4 in the trial of the just man’s affliction. No [...]5 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 9 col. I 1 [. . .But if the tumour] or the rash [is deeper] 2 [than the skin . . .]
and the priest sees in it as it were living flesh or, as it were [. . .] 3 [. . .] it is [lep-
rosy] which has taken hold of the living skin. And in accordance with this regu-
lation, 4 [.. .] The priest shall examine it on the seventh day; if something live
has been added 5 [to the dead,] it is malignant leprosy. And the regulation for
ringworm of the head or of the beard: 6 [. . . the priest shall examine it, and] if
the spirit enters the head or the beard in one block 7 [...] underneath the hair
and changes its appearance to yellowish -for it is like a plant 8 under which
there is a worm: cut its root and its fruit turns pale- . And as for what he 9 said:
Lev 13:33 «The priest shall order them to shave their head, but not to shave their
ringworm», it is so that 10 the priest can count the dead and living hairs, and
see: if 11 living (hairs) have been added to the dead ones during seven days, he
is impure; but if liv[ing] (hairs) have not been added 12 to the dead ones and the
artery is full of blood, and the spirit of life goes up and down through it, 13 that
disease [is healed]. This is the regulation of the law of leprosy for the sons of
Aaron, so that they can differentiate [. . .] 14 Blank Regulation for the person with
gonorrhoea. Everyone who [...] 13 [...]...[...]
Frag. 9 col. 11 1 [...] ... [...] ... 2 [...] she has an impurity; and if, however, is
seen, and she does not 3 [. . .] seven days. She should not eat anything holy or
enter 4 the temple until sunset on the eighth day. Blank 5 And the woman who
is pre[gnant] and gives birth to a male [she shall be impure] during seven [days]
Frag. 10 ;[...] to separate; and if [. . .] 2 [. . .] he shall wash his clothes [. . .]
Frag. 11 1 [. . .] to her [. . .] 2 [. . .] she shall not eat [. . .] 3 [. . .] penalty of death [. . .]
4 [• • •] the wet-nurse in her impufrity . . .] 5 [. . .] If her means do not stretch [to
turtle-doves. . .] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frag. 12 1 [...]...[...] 2 [... who drank] lustral water [...It shall be an eternal
precept] 3 [for the sons of Is]rael. Blank [...].#[...] And the bunches of the vi[ne:
up to ten ber]ries of the clu[ster] 5 [. . .] and everything that shoots up [. . .up to
one seah per bushel] 6 in which there is no seed [ shall be a sacred offering, and]
the cluster fallen [from the vine] 7 [. . .] and on its bunch, up to ten ber[ries, and
on the branch] 8 [of the olive. . . when the branch is complete. . .] you shall enter
it. If [you trample] 9 [in the field, take from it only one from every three, and
a]ll that [. . .]
54
RULES
4QD* 13-17 III
Frag. 13 1 2 plant of the vi[ne, and eve]ry [fruit tree] and every tree
of the fiel[d...] 3 in accordance with its regulation. [It is a] sacred offering] in
the land of residence, and afterwards they shall sell them 4 to b[uy...] And if
a man plants in the third year [. . .] 5 he shall consecrate it [. . .] 6 what covers it
[...] 7 [...] ... [...] Sand he shall add to it [...]
Frag. 15 1 [...] each camp [...] 2 [...] its fourth part. Blank [...] 3 [...] ... [...]
4 [. . .] which [. . .] not 5 [. . .] Every one who [. . .]
Frag. 16 1 [...] the camp. Blank [...] 2 [...] interprets ... [...] 3 [...] whom he
rejects [...]
Frag. 17 col. 1 (= cd-a xv, 10- 17) 1 [in all the a]ge of [wickedness. But no-one
should show him the precepts until] 2 he stands in front of the Inspector, so
that he appears simple in his instruction. But when 3 he has imposed upon him
to return to the law of Moses with all his heart and all his soul they will exact
revenge 4 [from him] if he should sin. And if he carries out all that has been
revealed of the law by for the majority of the camp, 5 the Teacher should teach
him and give orders concerning him and he should learn 6 throughout a full
year. And in accordance with (his) knowledge he will approach. And no-one
stupid 7 or deranged should enter; and anyone feeble-minded and insane, those
with sightless eyes, 8 [and] the lame or one who stumbles, or a deaf person, or
an under-age boy, 9 none [of] these [shall enter] the congregation, for the ho[ly]
angels [are in its midst].
Frag. 17 col. 11 (= cd-a xvi, 16-20 + ix, 1-2) 1 [...his property, pronounce
holy...] also 2 this regulation [... will be punished he who dedicates ...] the
sixth part of 3 money which corresponds [. . .] {by the regulation} [. . .] Blank [For
the judges,] 4 in order to judge with jus[tice. . .] behind [. . .] he is the victim of
an accident 5 until . . . and the [violence] is complete if he does not speak 6 the
truth to his fellow, -and until [he is converted . . .] 7 [. . .] like who does not [. . .]
8 Blank And as for what he said: Lev 27:29 [«Every man who gives to anathema a
human] 9 person», [shall be executed] according to the la[ws of the gentiles.]
10 And that matter: Lev ig.18 [«Do not avenge yourself or bear resentment
against the sons of your people))]
Frag. 17 col. ill (= cd-a x, 1- 12) 1 [he has completed his days to pass among
those who are recruited, and is fearful of God. No-one is to be bel]ieved [as a
witness against his fellow] 2 [who has consciously transgressed anything of a
precept, u]ntil [he has been purified] to return. [. . .] Blank [. . .] 3 And [this is the
rule of the judges] of the congregation. [Ten me]n [in number,] chosen from
among the congregation, for a period; 4 fo[ur from the tribe of Levi and of
4Qd* 18 i — hi
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
55
A]aron and [six from Is]rael; [lea]rned in the book of hagy 5 and in the
principles of the covenant; between] twenty-five and sixty years. And no-one
6 over [sixty years should h]old the office of judging [the congregation, f]or on
account of man’s sin [his days were shortened, 7 [and because of God’s wrath
against the inhabitants of the earth, he decided to rejmove [knowledge from
them before they completed] 8 [their days. Concerning purification with water.
No-one should bathe in water which is dirty or which is le]ss 9 [than the
amount which covers a man. No-one should purify a vessel in it. And every
cavity in the rock] in which there is no
Frag. 18 col. 1 (= cd-a xii, 14-22) 1 [their blo]od. And all the locusts, according
to their kind, shall be put into fire or into w]ater while they are still [alive,] 2 [as
this is the regulation for their species. And all the wood and the stojnes and the
dust which 3 [are defiled by man’s impurity, by defilement of oil in them, in
accordance with their unc jleanness will make 4 [whoever touches them impure.
And every utensil, nail or peg in the wall which i]s with ; [a dead person in the
house will be unclean with the same uncleanness as tools for work. Rule for the
asse]mbly of the cities of Israel. 6 [In accordance with these regulations, to keep
the unclean apart from the clean, and] distinguish 7 [between holy and profane.
Blank And these are the ordinances for the Instructor,] so that he walks 8 [in
them with every living thing, according to the regulation for every time. And
in accordance with this regulation shall the seed of Is]rael walk.
Frag. 18 col. 11 1 [And no-one should] do[. . .] 2 [a me]mber, unless [. . .] 3 which
is in the cam[p...] 4 and they will not err. And thus with all those who [...]
5 and he stands in the council [and thus] And thus [. . .] 6 he will admonish his
sons [...]/ [in] a spirit of poverty and with[. . .] 8 He shall not bear resentment
against them [...] 9 with their transgressions [,..]?o [in] their judgments [...]
»[■•■]-[-.]
Frag. 18 col. 111 (= cd-a xiv, 8-21) 1 [and in all the regulations of] the [law, to
say] them in accordance with their regulations. And the] Inspector who is over
2 [all the camps will be between] thirty years and sixty [years of age, master] of
every secret 3 [of men and] of every language [according to their families. On
his authority, [the members of] the assembly shall enter, 4 [each one in his
turn;] and every afffair which] any [man] needs to say to the assembly, 5 [he
shall say it to the Inspector,] in connection with any dispfute or judgment.]
This is the rule of the Many, to provide for all 6 [their needs: the salary] of two
[days] at least. They shall place it [in the hand] of the Inspector and of the
judges. 7 [From it they shall g]ive to the woun[ded, and with it they shall]
strengthen the hand of the needy and the poor, 8 [and to the elder] who is dy-
ing, and to the vagabond, and to the prisoner of a foreign people, 9 [and to the
56
RULES
4QD* l8 III — V
girl who] has no protector, and to the unmafrried woman] who has no suitor;
and for all 1 o [the works of the company,] and the house of the company shall
not be deprived of its means. This is the exact interpretation 12 [of the regula-
tions by which] they shall be ruled until there arises the messiah of Aaron and
Israel. 13 [He shall atone for their sins . . . par]don, and guilt [...]. Blank 14 [...
in riches, although he knows, . . . and they shall keep him a]part from the [pure
foo]d [...]
Frag. 18 col. IV 1 [he shall be punished for two hundr]ed days, and he shall be
punished for ten days. And if, in a capital matter, he bears resentment and does
not repent 2 [. . . And whoever] insults his fellow who is not in the council, thev
shall keep him apart one year, and he shall be punished 3 for si[x months;] and
whoever utters a senseless word with his mouth, shall be punished for ten
4 [days, and they shall keep him apart] for three monfths. And whoever speaks
in the middle of a felflow’s words, shall be isolated 5 [and shall be punished for
ten] days. And whoever lies down and sleeps during the me[eting of the
Many...] 6 [ shall be kept apart] for thirty days and shall be punished for ten
days. [And thus shall they act with whoever] goes away, 7 [who] is not in the
council of the Many, without reason, up to three ti[mes] in a session, 8 [shall
be pujnished for ten days; if he goes away [from the session] again [he shall be
punished for thirty 9 days. And whoever walks [naked] in front of his fel[low. . .
and whoever walks naked] in front of 10 the creatures, shall be kept apart for
six [months... And whoever] 11 takes out {the} ‘his hand' from under his
cloth[es...] 12 days, and shall be punished for ten; and he who bows [down
stupidly, making his] voice [heard, shall be kept apart] 13 for thirty and shall be
punished for five [days. And he who takes out] his left hand 14 to gesticulate
with it, shall be punished [for ten days.] And whoever goes slandering 75 his
fellow [shall be kept apart from the pure food of the Many for one year. . .]
Frag. 18 col. v 1 about the Many and he will receive his judgment according to
his merit, as he says through the hand of 2 Moses about the person who sins
through oversight: Lev 4:27 «they should present 3 their sin-offering or their
guilt-offering»; and about Israel it is written: Lev 26:31 «I shall go 4 to the edges
of the heavens, and I shall not smell the aroma of your pleasant fragrances#;
and in another place 5a /and in another place it is written: Joel 2: 13 «Tear your
heart and not your clothes»/5 it is written: Joel 2: 12 (?) «to return to God in tears
and in fasting#. And anyone who despises these regulations 6 according to all
the precepts which are found in the law of Moses, shall not be counted 7
among all the sons of his truth, for his soul is accursed by those disciplined by
justice. In the rebellion he will be expelled from the presence of 8 the Many.
And the priest who governs over the Many will speak to him; he will begin to
speak, 9 saying:
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
57
4QD^
‘Blessed is he who is everything,
and in whose hands is everything,
and he does everything,
who has founded the heavens according to their families,
10 and according to their differences,
and according to their classes.
and he has made them walk through a trackless abyss.
11 You chose the descendants of our fathers
and gave them your truthful regulations
12 and your holy precepts,
so that man could carry them out and live,
and you established frontiers for us,
ij and you curse those who cross them.
And we are the people of your ransom
and the flock of your pasture.
14 You curse those who cross them
but we have raised ourselves up».
And the one who has been expelled will leave, and the man 1 5 who eats from
his riches, and the one who seeks his peace, {the one who has been expelled}
and the one who is agreement with him. 16 And his sentence will be written
down in the Inspector’s hand. . . and his judgment will be complete. The sons
of Levi ?7 and the men of the camps will meet in the third month and will
curse whoever tends to the right 18 [or to the left of the] law. And this is the
exact interpretation of the regulations which they are to observe in every age
of 19 [...who] remained firm in all the ages of anger and in their steps, to all
those who 20 [dwell in their camps and in their cities. And so, then, all] this is
with regard to the exact interpretation of the law.
4QDamascus Document^ (4Q268 [4Q Dr])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 [...] with money [.. .] 2 [. ..] ... sent [...] the work [.. .] j [.. .] and
he will not forgive [. . .] his sins. Blank Not to [. . .] 4 [. . .] one, for it is an abomi-
nation, and as for what he said: Lev 25:14 «If [you make a sale] 5 [to a fellow, or
purchase from the hand of] your fellow, no-one is to harm his fellow». And this
is the exact interpretation...] 6 [...] in everything that he knows had been
found. . . [. . .He will not] give 7 [. . .] and he knows that there is a profit in it, in
the man or in the animal. And if 8 [. . .To the man who joins] anything at all, it
will be counted to him. This is why the judgment of [a curse] w ill come upon
him 9 [as he says: Deut 2-4:18 «Accursed] whoever leads a blind man astray from
the path», and also: «He is not to give, for he is not ready for her», because 10
[he ... two different things... like] a bull and an ass, and woollen and linen
5«
RULES
4QDf 1-2 II
clothing together. Blank No-one should enter u [...], whoever knows how to do
the work {of the wilderness} in word, and who knows 12 [how to do the work
in her father’s] house, or the widow who prostitutes herself after she is wid-
owed. And every 13 [woman who has had] a bad reputation during her maiden-
hood in her father’s house, no-one should take her, unless 14 [on inspection
(the) women are] trustworthy and certain is the knowledge of the decision of
the Inspector who is over 15 [the session of the Many; he is not] to take her and
if they take her, he should proceed in accordance with the regulation of [...]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 [...] of the threshing floor will lower a tenth of the hom[er and
of the ephah ] 2 [. . .] the ephah and the bath {. . .} are both the same measure, and
a sixth [of a homer ] 3 [is a hin. . .] the wood which a man removes in the moun-
tains; of the cattle, one from every hundred 4 [...No-]one should eat [...] and
from the garden. Before this [the pri]ests shall stretch out their hands 5 [...]
first [...] whoever sells ... [...] and if he is free from 6 [...] and [...] the mort-
gaged field 7 [. . . ] one three times. 8 No-one should bring in [flesh . . . with the
blood of the sacrifices of the gentiles...] in its purity. And of any 9 gold and
silver [and copper and] tin and le[ad with which the gentiles make imjages, no-
one should bring them 10 into the purity [ 1 ] Whoever from [ . . . ] enters. [ ... No-
one should bring in] any skin, or clothing or u any utensil [...they work]ed
with them a work which defiles the soul of [man. And if they were sprinkled
according to the regulation 12 [. . . And this is the rule of] the congregation in the
age of wickedness. Every [. . . and every insane person] 13 [who mortgages . . .
f]or their days were fulfilled to pass to [. . .]
Frag. 2 col. 1 7 [...] the judges 8-10 [...] 1 1 [...] Israel 12 [...] the age
Frag. 2 col. 11 (lines 3- 16 = cd-a xvi, 1-18) /[...]...[...] 2 and the coven-
ant.. .] the covenant; and about the covenant [...].? saying: [ in accordance with
these wo]rds I established with you a covenant and with [all Israel. For this the
man will pledge himself] 4 to return [to the law] of Moses, {for} for in it all is
defined. And the exact interpretation of their ages about the blindness of] 5
Israel in all these matters, behold, [it is defined] in the book [«of the divisions
of the periods according to the jubilees and their weeks’*] 6 Blank And on the
day on which [the man] pledges himself [to return to the law of] Moses, [the
angel] Mastema will leave 7 off following him, should he keep his wo[rds. This
is why Abraham circumcised himself on the] day [of his knowledge. And what]
it says: Dt 23:24 «What issues 8 from your mouth, keep it and carry it out». Every
mandatory oa[th by which anyone has pledg]ed to fulfil 9 the letter of the law,
he should not [redeem], even at the price of death. [Anything by which he has
ple]dged himself to turn away 10 from the law, he should not ful[fil,] not even
when the price is death. [Concerning the oath of a woman. As for what] he
4QD‘ 3 i
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
59
said: Num 30:7-9 «It is for the husband 11 to annul her oath», no-one should annul
an o[ath if he does not know] whether he should ratify it or 12 annul it. If it is
to violate the covenant, he should annul it [and should not ratify it. And the
regulation applies also] to the father. Concerning 13 the regulation for freewill-
offerings. Blank No-one should dedicate [anything, obtained by unjust means,
to the al]tar. Neither should the priests take from 14 Israel Blank No-one should
pronounce holy the fo[od of his mouth for God, for] this is what he says: Mic
7.2 «Each one <5 traps his fellow with anathema#. Blank And no-one should pro-
nounce holy anything off...] and if it is from his fie[ld.. .] 16 [.. . his property,
which he pronounces holy...] this regulation also [...] he who dedicates the
[. . .will be punished]
Frag. 3 col. 1 (= CD- A xi, 3 -xii, 6) 1 [in the chest, unless they have been wa]shed
with water or rubbed with incense. [No-one] should fast voluntarily 2 [on the
sabbath. No]-one should go after an animal to pasture it outside his city,
exce[pt for a thousand] cubits. 3 [He is not to raise] his hand to strike with the
fist. If it is stubborn, [he should not rem]ove [it] 4 [from his house. No-one
should remove] anything from the house to outside, or from outside to the
house. Eve[n if he is in a h]ut, 5 [he should remove nothing from it] or bring
anything into it. He is not to open a sealed vessel on the sabbath. [No-o]ne
should wear 6 [perfumes, to go] out or come in on the sabbath. No-one should
press his servant 8 [or his maidservant or his employee on the sabbath. No]-one
should help an animal give birth on the sabbath day. And if it has fallen into
a well 9 [or a pit, he should not take it out on the sa]bbath. No-one should stay
in a place close to gentiles on the sabbath. 10 [No-one should profane the
sab]bath by riches or gain on the sabbath. And any living man who falls u [into
a place of water or a we]ll, no-one should take him out with a ladder or a rope
or a utensil. No-one should offer anything 12 [upon the altar on the sabbath,
except the sacrifice of the sabbath, for th]us is it written: Lev 23:38 «except your
offerings of the sabbath#. No-one should send 13 [to the altar a sacrifice, or an
offering, or incense,] or wood, by the hand of a man [impure from a]ny of the
impurities, so allowing him 14 [to defile the altar, for] it is written: Prov ?5.-<?«the
sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, [but the prayer] of the just is like an
agreeable 15 [offering#. And everyone who enters] the house of prostration
should not enter with impurity requiring washing; and when the 16 [trumpets
of the assembly sound,] he may advance or retreat, but the whole service
should not stop. [All] 77 [the sabbaths are holy.] No man should sleep with his
wife in the city of the temple, defiling [the city of the] 18 [temple with their
impurity. Ev]ery man over whom the spirit of Belial dominates and he
preaches apostasy, will be judged according to [the regulation] 1 9 [of the necro-
mancer or the diviner.] But every one who goes astray, defiling the sabbath and
the fes[tivals,] 20 [shall not be executed, for] guarding him [belongs to m]en;
6o
RULES
4QD'7 1-9
and if he is cured of it, they shall guard him for [seven] 21 [years and afterwards
he shall en]ter the assembly. No-one is to stretch out his hand to shed [the
blood...]
4QDamascus Document'7 (4Q269 [4QD‘/|)
Frag. 1 1 [...] ... 2 [...] If j [...] you lift up 4 [and you build...] 5 [...they will
reject... And w]e are dust and ashes 6 [...] they do not understand 7 [...] and in
your mouths 8 [. . .] all flesh and crefature]
Frag. 2 (= CD -a v, 17 -VI, 7) ; [For in ancient times there arose Moses and
Aaron, by the hand of the] prince of ligfhts,] 2 [and Belial,] with his cunning,
[raised up Janjnes and his brother during the fi[rst] salvation of 3 [Israel], Blank
[...] 4 [And in the age of devastation of] the la[nd there arose] those who re-
moved the boundary and made Israel stray. 5 [And they razed the countrywide,
for they spoke of rebellion against God's precepts through the hand of 6 [Mo-
ses] and also of the holy anointed ones. They prophesied deceit in order to
divert 7 [Isra]el from following God. But God remembered the covenant of the
very first, and raised 8 [from Aaron men of knowledge and from Israel wise
men, [and forced them to lijsten. And they dug g the well: Num 21:18 «A well
which the princes dug, which 10 the nobles [of the people] struck with the
spade». Blank 11 The well is the law. [And those who dug it] are the converts of
Is[rael,] 12 who left the land of Jufdah and lived in the land of Damascus, all of
whom 13 God called princes, for [they sought him, and their renown has not
been repudiated 14 in anyone’s mouth. Blank 1 5 [And the spade is the inter-
preter] of the law, [ . . . ]
Frag. 4 col. 11 (= 4QD7 6 1) 1 [...and they res]tore the stre[ngth in the leprosy
]. . .the holy 2 [me]n who are strengthened by his holy name. . .] 3 [. . .] and he
is required to return [... for in Judah...] 4 [to Isr]ael when [...] arises [to in-
struct. . .] 5 [. . .pea]ce. Blank [. . .] 6 And all those [of Israel] who rem[ain. . . for
each one to approach him] 7 [according to his spirit [. . .]
Frag. \col. in (= 4QD* 6 II, 1-5) /[...] ... [...] 2 [...] or [...]j And everyone who
[speaks weakly or] with a [faltering] sound, 4 and does not separate his words
to [make his voice heard, should not read in the book of] 5 [the Torah, so that
he will not lead to error in a capital matter ...] 6 [...]...[... to his brothers,]
7 [the priests, in servjice. And not [...]£ [And whoever of the sons of A]aron
[has been a captive among the gentiles...]
Frag. 9 (= 4D7 12:2-9) 1 [•••]■•• 2 [It shall be an eternal precept for the sons of
Israel. And the bunches of the vine:] up to ten berries of the cluster 3 [. . . and
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
6l
4QD</ 10-11 II
everything that shoots up .. .up to one seah per bushel] in which there is no
seed shall be a sacred offering, 4 f. . .] Blank 5 [. . . If you trample in the field, only
take from] it one from every three. Blank And all 6 [that. . . the] field, or you shall
burn it with fire and it shall be separated 7 [... up to one seah per bushel shall
be the tithe, and] if anyone gathers it
Frag. 10 (= cd-a, ix, 5-14) / [he avenges himself against his foes, and he bears
resentment against his enemies». If he kept silent about him] from one month
to the other, 2 [or accused him of a capital offence, he has testified against him-
self, for he did not] fulfil the commandment of God 3 [which tells him: Lev ig:iy
«You should reproach your fellow so as not to incur] sin [because of him».]
Blank 4 [Concerning the oath. As for what he said: 1 Sam 25:26 «You shall not do
justice with your (own) hand»: wh]oever forces the making of an oath 5 [in the
open field, not in the presence of judges or at their command, has done justice
for himself with his] hand. Every 6 [lost object about which it is not known who
stole it from the property of the camp in which it was stolen - ] its owner
should make a maledictory 7 [oath; whoever hears it, if he knows and does not
say it, is guilty. Every] illegal object 8 [which should be given back and has no
owner -he who gives it back should confess to the priest and it will be for him-
self,] apart from the ram
Frag. 1 1 col. 1 (= CD- a xiii, 4-14) 1 [according to his word all the members of
the camp. But if there is a judgment against anyone about the law of] leprosy,
2 [the priest shall take his place in the camp, and the Inspector shall instruct
him] in the exact interpretation of the law. [Even if] 3 [he is a simpleton, he is
the one who shall intern him, for his is the] judgment. Blank [. . .] 4 [And this is
the rule of the Inspector of the camp. He shall instruct the Many in the de]eds
of God, [and shall teach them] 5 [his mighty marvels, and recount to them the
eternal] events with their solutions. He shall have pity 6 [on them like a father
on his sons, and shall heal all the str]ays (?) like a shepherd his flock. He shall
undo 7 [all the chains which bind them, so that there] is neither harassed nor
oppressed 8 [in his congregation. And everyone who joins his congregation, he
should examine] concerning his actions, his intelligence, [his strength,] 9 [his
courage and his wealth; and they shall inscribe him in his place according to his
inheritance in the lot of truth. Blank No 10 [-one of the members of the camp
should have authority to] introduce anyone into the congregation n [against the
decision] of the Inspector of the camp. And none of those who have entered
the covenant] of God «neither
Frag. 1 1 col. 11 (= cd-a xiii, 22-xiv, 10) 1 [. . . These are the regulations for the
Instructor, to wal]k in them. 2 [When God visits the] earth [the] word will be
fulffilled] which says: Isa 7:17 «There will come 3 [upon you days such a]s have
62
RULES
4QD‘> 1-5
not come since the day on which Ephraim became separated from 4 []udah»;
and (to) all those who wal]k in them, the covenant of God is faithful 5 [to save
them from all the ne]ts of the pit, for they will pass suddenly 6 and they will be
punished. [Rule of the session of] all the camps. Each one shall be enlisted by
his name: 7 the priests [first, the levites] second, the children of Israel 8 third;
and they shall be inscribed [by their names, each one after his brother: the
priests g [fi]rst, [the levites second, the sons of] Israel third 10 [and the
pro]selyte fourth. Thus shall they s[it and thus shall they be questioned] about
everything. And the priest who 11 [is na]med at the head of the M[any will be
between] thirty and sixty 12 [years old,] learned [in the book of] hagy, and in
all the regulations of the law, to say them /for the words/ 13 [in accordance
with] their regulations. And the [Inspector who] is over all the camps will be
between thirfty y]ears and sixty [years of age, master of every secr]et of me[n
and in every language
Frag. 12 1 [shall be punished for six days. . .] And whoever 2 [despises the judg-
ment of the Many, shall leave and] never [ret]urn. Blank 3 [An whoever takes his
meal outside of the regulation, is to give it back to the one 4 [from whom he
took it. . .]. Whoever approaches 5 [his wife] for lust, [not in accordance with the
regulation, shall leave and] never [retu]rn. Blank
qQDamascus Document*1 (4Q270 f^QD*1])
Frag. 1 (= cd-a 11, 16- 18) ; [by the thoughts of a] guilty [inclination] and las-
civious eyes. [...] 2 [For many wandered off for these] matters; bra[ve] heroes
[yielded on account of them, from ancient times until now. For having walked
in the stubbornness] 3 [of their hearts the Watchers of the hea]vens fell; on its
account they were [caught, for they did not follow the precepts of God.]
Frag. 2 (= cd-a ill, 14) 1 [hidden matters] in which [all Israel] had gone astray
[: ...] 2 [His holy sabb]aths and his glor[ious feasts. . .]
Frag. 4 (= cd-a iv, 6-8) ? [These are the very first, for whom God atoned and
who declared the just man as just, and declared the wi]cked as wicked, 2 [and
all those who entered after them in order to act in agreement with the exact
interpretation of the law in which] the very first [were instructed
Frag. 5 (= 4QDf 1 1, 8- 14) 14 [. . .] To the man who joins [anything at all, it will
be counted to him. This is why] 15 [a judjgment of a curse [will come upon him
as he says: Dm 27:18 «Accursed whoever leads a blind man astray from the
path», and also: «He is not to give,] 16 [for he is not re]ady for her*, because he
[two different things. . . like] a bull and an ass, and woollen and linen clothing
4QD1’ 6-9 I
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
63
together.] 77 [. . .] Blank [No-one] should enter [. . .] the holy one, 18 [who kn]ows
how to do the work [in word, and who knows how to do] the work [in the house
of] 19 [her fatjher, or the widow who prostitutes herself after she is widowed. . .
And ev]ery 20 [woman who] has had a bad reputation during her maidenhood
in her father’s house, no-one should take her, 21 [un]less on inspection (the)
women [are trustworthy and certain is the knowledge of the decision of the
Inspector]
Frag. 6 (=4QD* 12:2-9) 6 [•■■] this [...] 7 [...] Blank [...]£[...] Blank 9 [...] of the
day, and the sun the harvest the field [. . .] who drank the [lustral
water] 1 1 [. . .It shall be an eternal precept for the children of Israel. Blank] 12 [. . .
And the bunjches of the vine: up to te[n berries of the] 13 clufster. . . and every-
thing that shoots up . . .] up to one seah per bushel in which 14 there is no seed,
shall be a sacred off[ering, and] the cluster fallen from the vine ...] and on its
bunch, up to ten berfries,] 15 [and on the bra]nch of the olive [...] when the
gathering is complete [...] 16 [you shall en]ter [it.] If you trample in the field,
[take only from it one from every thr]ee, and all [that which. . .] 77 [the field, or
you burn with fire, and it will be separated. . .] up to one seah per bushel shall
be the tithe, and if anyone gathers it 18 [. . .] and gathers one of it on the first
day, the tenth part shall be a sacred offering 19 [...] the cakes of the sacred
offering shall be for all the houses of Israel which eat the bread 20 [. . .] once a
year a tenth shall be their possession [. . .] 21 [. . .] it shall be complete for Israel
once [a year.] Every man
Frag. 7 (= 4QDf 1 II, 8- 10) 20 [the flesh. . . with the blood of the sacrifices of the
gentiles. . . in its pu]rity. And of any gold and [silver] 21 [and copper and tin and
lead with which the] gentiles make images, no-one should bring them into the
purity
Frag. 8 1 [. . . And if] a man draws away a woman to curse her 2 [. . .] he who looks
if he sees the woman from 3 [...] ... 4 [...] ... and if her blood should flow
5 [...] the priests, and will untie 6 [...] ... and he will make drink 7 [...He]
should not take from his hand any 8 [...] the holy ones 9 [... He] should give
anyone 10-11 [...] 12 [...] for the kings 13 [...] with the woman 14 [...] the
/bought/ maid, unless 15 [...] says: « [...] not 16 [...] he shall take her [...]
77 [...] ... [...] 18 [...] his bread [...] 19 [... He should not] lie with
Frag. 9 col. 1 9 [. . .] he will pass or send [. . .] the sun 10 [. . .] the days, or he will
consult a necromancer or diviners 11 [...] who curses the name 12-15 [■• •] '6 [•■■]
a young girl in house of 1 7 [... He should not] lie with her after 18 [...He
should not approach his wife on the day of 19 [...] or who [...] 20 [...] 21 [...]
all
64
RULES
4QD'! 9 ii- 10 iii
Frag, g col. ii i concerning [...] 2 to [...] 3 at the place [...] 4 [...] 5 [...] to the
mountains [...] 6 [...] the sons of Aaron the plantation [...] 7 [... and he will
give] all that there is for them, and a tenth part of the cattle 8 and of the flocks,
and the ransom for [the] clean [animal] and the money of the assessments for
the ransom of their souls. [. . .] 10 without returning it, and on top of that a fifth
part or [...] 11 in their names, in order to defile his holy spirit [...] 12 or in-
fected by the disease of leprosy or one with an impufre] discharge. [And who-
ever] 13 divulges the secret of his people to the pagans, or curses or [preaches]
14 rebellion against those anointed with the spirit of holiness and leads astray
[his people, or disobeys] 75 God’s word, or slaughters an animal carrying a live
foetus, [or] a pregnant woman [...] 77 in the woman’s bed [...] 18 enrolled in
them in order to make his so[n] pass ... 79 And how, listen to me all you who
know justice and fulffil the] law. 20 I [shall give] you paths of life, but the ways
to the pit I shall open for [the wicked and their deeds.] 21 You shall not be
made prisoners and [. . .] in the understanding of my deeds from generation to
generation.
Frag. 10 col. 1 (= CD -A xv, 3-5) 20 [of the covenant, he should do it before the
judges. If he should transgress, he will be guilty and will have to confess and
make amends,] but not 21 [be burdened with sin nor shall he die. Whoever
enters into the covenant, which is for all Israel for eternal law], his sons
Frag. 10 col. 11 (= cd-a xv, 13-18; xvi, 3-8) [shall exact vengeance for] him if
he should sin. And if [he fulfils] all that [has been revealed of the law for the
multitude of the camp,] 7 [the Instructor should instruct him and] give orders
concerning him which he should learn [for a whole year. And in accordance
with (his) knowledge he will approach. And no-one] 8 [stupid or deranged
should enter; and any]one feeble-minded or insane, and [those with sightless
eyes, the lame or one who stumbles,] 9 [or a deaf person, or an under-age boy,
n]one of these [should enter the congregation, since the holy angels are in its
midst.] 70 [. . .] ... the second [. . .] 11 [. . .] ... the man [. . .] 13-16 [. . .] 77 [in the
book] «of the divisions [of the periods] according to their jubilees [and their
weeks’])). And on the day on which the man has pledged himself 18 [to return]
to the law [of Moses,] the angel Mastema [will turn aside from following him],
should he keep his word. This is why 79 Abraham circumcised himself on the
day of his knowledge. And as for what] he said: Dt 23:24 «What issues [from
your mouth, keep to it and carry it out». Every binding oath by which anyone
has pledged to fulfil the letter of the law, he should not annul, even at the price
of death. Any2?thing by which [he might pledge to turn aside from the law, he
should not fulfil, even at the price of death.
Frag. 10 col. in (cd-a xvi, 18-24; ix, 1-7) 13 [... to the jud]ges to judge [with
4QDf 10 III — IV
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
65
justice. . .he is victim of an accident until] 14 [. . .] and the violence is complete
if he does not tell the trfuth to his fejllow, until [he converted . . .] 15 [. . .as] who
does not ... [. . .] And as for [what he says. . .] 16 [. . .Every man who gives a ma]n
from among men to anathema, shall be executed according to the laws of the
gentiles. iy And as for what he said: Lev ig:i8 «Do not avenge yourself or bear
resentment against the sons of your people* -everyone of those who entered
the cove[nant, who bri]ngs [an accusation] against his fellow, [this should not
be with reproach] before witnesses, or brings it when he is angry, or tells it [to
his elders] so that they despise him, he is «the one who avenges himself and
bears resentment*.] ig [Is it not perhaps written that on]ly Nah 1:2 «he (God)
[avenges] himself on his foes and bears resentment against his enemies*? If he
kept silent about him from one day to the other, or in the heat of his anger 20
[against him...] the matter. Thus [...]
Frag. 10 col. iv (= cd-a ix, 10- 12; ix, 20 -x, 13) 3 [or at their command, has
done justice for himself] with his hand. [Every lost object about which it is not
known who stole it from the property of the camp in which it was stolen] 4 [its
owner should make a maledictory oa[th; whoever hears it, if he knows and
does not say it, is guilty.] 5-10 [. . .] 11 [someone alone, his judgment is complete;
but if they are two, one and one, who testify about a different matter,] the man
[is only to be excluded from the pure food,] 12 [on condition that they are trust-
worthy, and that on the same day on which he saw him, he denounces him to
the Inspector. And concerning ric]hes, they shall accept two trustworthy wit-
nesses. 13 [And] on the testimony of one, to exclude from the holy food. A wit-
ness is not to be accepted] by the judges to condemn to death on his word, 14
[if he has not] completed his days to pass [among those who are recruited, and
is fearful of] God. Not to be believed [as a witness] against his fellow, is anyone
15 [who has transgressed [knowingly] anything of a precept, [until he has been
purified to return. And this] is the rule of the judges of the congregation. 16
Ten men in number, chosen [from among the congregation, for a period;
[four] from the tribe of Levi and of Aaron and [six from Israel;] 1 7 learned in
the book of hagy [and in the principles of the covenant; [between] twenty-five
and [sixty] years. 18 And no-one over sixty years should hold the office [of
judging] the congregation, for on account [of man’s] sin 1 g his days [were
shortened, and because of God’s wrath against the inhabitants of the earth, [he
decided to remove] knowledge [from them] before [they completed their] days.
20 Blank Concerning purification with water. No-one [should bathe in water
which is dirty or which is less than the amount which covers a man] 21 No-one
should purify a vessel in it. [And every cavity in the rock in which there is not
the amount which covers, if an impure person has touched it,]
Frag. 10 col. v (= cd-a x, 13-19; xi, 7-19) 1 [he has defiled the water like the
66
RULES
4QD*’ 10 V- 11 I
water of a vase. Concerning the sabbath, to observe it in accordance with its
regulation. No-one should do wo]rk [on the sixth day, from] 2 [the moment
when the sun’s disc is at a distance of its diameter from the gate, for th]is is
what he sa[id: 0/5:12 (/Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy». And on the day
of the sabbath, no-one should say] a useless or stupid word. 4 [He is not to lend
anything to his fellow. He is not to discuss riches or gain. He is not to speak
about matters of wo]rk or of the task to be car[ried out] 5-/2 [...] 13 No-one
should re]move [anything from the house to outside, or from outside to the
house. Even if] 14 he is in a hut, he should remove nothing from it or bring
[anything into it. He is not to open a sealed vessel on the sabbath. No-one
should wear] 15 perfumes on the sabbath, to go out or come in. [No-one should
lift, in his dwelling, a stone or dust.] 16 [The wet-nurse should] not lift the baby
[to go out or come in on the sabbath.] No-one should press] 77 his servant or
his maidservant or his employee on the sabbath. [No-one should help an animal
give birth on the sabbath day.] 18 And if it falls into a well or a pit, [he should
not take it out on the sabbath. No-one should profane the sabbath by] 79 riches
or gain on the sabbath. And any living man [who falls into a place of water or
into a place,] 20 no-one should take him out with a ladder or a rope or a utensil.
No-[one should offer anything upon the altar on the sabbath, except the sacri-
fice of the sabbath, for thus] 21 is it written: Lev 23:38 //except your offerings of
the sabbath». [No-one should send to the altar a sacrifice, or an offering, or
incense, or wood, by the hand of]
Frag. 11 col. 1 (= 4QD* 18 iv, 9- 15; v, 1-7) 3 [...] in the house or in the field,
walks nakfed in front of the creatures, shall be kept apart for six months.]
4 [And whoever takes out] ‘his hand’ from under his clothes and [. . .] 5 [days,
and shall be punished for ten; and he who bows do]wn stupidly, making [his
voice] heard, [shall be kept apart for thirty and shall be punished for five]
6 [days. And he who takes out his left ha]nd to gesticulate with it, shall be
pun[ished for ten days. And whoever] 7 [goes slandering his fellow shall be kept
apart] from the pure food for one year [...] 8 [...and] shall [not] come back
again [...] 9 and not [...] and the one whose [spirit] is disturbed [...] 10 about
[. . .] ... [shall be pu]nished for six [days. ..] 11 [and whoever] despises the judg-
ment of the Many shall leave and [not return again. And whoever takes] 12 his
food outside the regulation shall return it to the one from whom he took it [. . .]
Whoever approaches 13 his wife from lust, not in accordance with the regula-
tion, shall leave and not come back again. [. . .] about the fathers, 14 [shall leave]
the congregation and not come back [again. But if it is] about mothers, he shall
be punished for ten days because for mothers there is no mingling (?) in the
midst of 75 [the congregation . . . And these are] the regulations [in which shall
walk] all those disciplined and everyone who 16 [... and whoever] enters will
inform the priest who is at the frfont of the Many and he will receive his judg-
4Qd/ 1-4 1
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
67
ment according to his merit, as he] 17 says through the hand of Moses about
the person who sifns through oversight: Lev 4:27 «they should present] their sin-
offering or their guilt-offering»; and about 18 Israel it is written: Lev 26:31 «I shall
go to the edges of the hea[vens, and I shall not smell the aroma of your
ple]asant fragrances#; and in anofther place it is written:] 1 g Joel 2:13 «Tear your
heart and not your clothes# and it is writtfen: Joe! 2:12 (?) «to return to God in
tears and in fasting#.] And anyone who des[pises these regulations] 20 according
to all the precepts which are found [in the law of Moses, shall not be counted
among all the so]ns of his truth, [for his soul is accursed] 21 by those disciplined
by justice. Blank And al[l . . .]
Frag. 11 col. 11 (= 4QD* 18 v, 16-20) 11 [The sons of Levi and the men of the
camps will meet in] the third month and will cu[rse] 12 [whoever tends to the
right or to the left of the law. And th]is is the precise interpretation of the reg-
ulations which 13 [they are to observe in every age of ...] who remained firm
in all the ages of anger 14 and in their steps, to all those who dwell in their
camps and all [. . .] in their cities. And so, then, all this is 15 with regard to the
last interpretation of [the law.] Blank 16-21 Blank
4QDamascus Document^ (4Q271 [4Qi/|)
Frag. 1 (= CD -A 11, 4-6) 1 [and the abundance of] pardon, [to atone for those
who repent from wickedness; however, strength and power and a great anger
with flames of fire] 2 [by the hand of all] the angels [of destruction ...]
Frag. 2 (= CD-A ill, 6-11) 1 [and they ate blood, and their males were cut off.
He spoke to them in Qadesh: Deutg:23 «Go and] possess [the land#. . ..] 2 [... and
they did not listen] and did not open their ears [to the voice] 3 [of their creator,
to the precepts he had taught them and murmured in their tents. And the
wrath] of God flared up against their congregation. And their sons 4 [died
through it, and through it their kings were cut off and their warriors perished]
through it and through it their land was laid waste. 5 [... Through it] the very
first to enter the covenant 6 [made themselves guilty and were delivered up to
the sword, for having deserted God’s covenant and having chosen] their w hims
and having followed
Frag. 3 (= CD- A iv, 19-21) 1 [he is] a preacher, [as it is said: Mic 2:6 «Assuredly
he will preach»-they are caught twice] 2 [in fornic]ation: by tafking two wives
in their lives. . .]
Frag. 4 col. 1 (= cd-a v, 20 -vi, 2) 2 [And in the age of devastation of the land
there arose those who shifted the boundary and made Israel stray. And they
68
RULES
4QE/4II-9
laid waste] the land, 3 for they spoke of rebellion against God’s precepts
through the hand of Moses and also of the holy anointed ones.] They prophe-
sied 4 [deceit in order to turn Israel away from following God. But God re-
membered the covenant of the very first, and rai]sed
Frag. 4 col. n (= cd-a vi, 20-Vii, 3) 1 according to their exact interpretation;
to love, [each one, his brother like himself;] 2 to strengthen the hafnd of the
poor, the needy and the foreigner; to seek,] 3 each one, the peace [of his brother
and not commit sin against his blood relation;] 4 [to refrain from fornication in
accordance with the regulation; to reprove] 5 each one, [his brother in accor-
dance with the precept, without bearing resentment from one day to the next;]
6 to keep ap[art from every uncleanness according to their regulations...]
Frag. 5 (= cd-a vii, 16-20) 1 [the fallen Sukkat of David». The King is the
assembly; and the plinths of the ima]ges [are] 2 [the books of the prophets,
whose words Israel despised.] And the star [is] 3 [the Interpreter of the law,
who will come to Damascus, as is written: Num 24:13 «A star] moves out of [Ja-
cob] 4 [and a sceptre arises out of Israel». The sceptre is the prince of the
wh]ole [congregation. . .]
Frag. 7 (= 4QD* 911-4) 1 [...].. . and if the rash is a wound of wood 2 [or of
stone, or any wound through the arrival of the spirit which takes h]old of the
artery and the blood returns 3 [upwards or downwards, and the artery . . .] be-
hind the blood Blank 4 [The priest shall examine the skin, living and] d[ead. . .]
5 [...] seven [days...] 6 [...] says, and the ra[sh ... If the dead (skin) is not
deeper that the living (skin)] 7 [he shall confine him until] the flesh grows. The
priest shall examine him [on the sevjenth [day;] [if the spirit of life goes up]
8 [and] goes down and the flesh [has grown... is cured... the rash.] 9 [The
priest shall not examine] the skin of the fl[esh. . .] 10 [But if the tumour or the
rash is deeper than the skin ...] 11 [and the priest sees in] it as it [were the form
of living flesh. . .] 12 [it is leprosy which has taken hold] of the living skin. [And
in accordance wfith this regulation] 13 [...] The priest [shall examine it on the
seventh day...]
Frag. 9 (= 4QDf 1 1, 8- 14) / [anything at all, it will be counted to him. This is
why the judgment of a curse will come upon him,] as he says: 2 [Deut 27:18 «Ac-
cursed whoever leads a blind man astray from the path», and also: «He is not
to give, for he is not ready for her»,] because he, two different things 3 [. . . like
a bull and an ass, and woollen and linen clothing together.] 4 [No-one should
enter . . .] the holy one, who [knows how to do the work] 5 [in word, and who
knows how to do the work in the house of] her father, or the widow who 6 [pro-
stitutes herself after she is widowed. . . And every woman who] has had] a bad
4Ql/ i I
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
69
reputation during her maidenhood 7 [in her father’s house, no-one should take
her, unless on inspection (the) women are trustworthy]
Frag. 10 (= 4QD‘ 1 11, 7 - 13) 1 [one] three tim[es. No]-one [should bring in
flesh. . .] with the blood of the sacrifices [of the gentiles. . .] 2 [in its purity. And
of any gold and] silver [and copper and tin and lead] with which the gentiles
make im[ages,] 3 [no-one should bring them into the purity . . .] from it new [. . .]
No-one should bring in any [skin,] 4 [or clothing or any utensil. . . they work]ed
with th[em which defiles the] soul of man. And if they were sprinkled
according to the regulation] 5 [...And this is the rule of the congregation in]
the age of wic[kedness and] every insane person who mortgages
Frag. 12 (= CD -a xv, 4-7) / [If he transgresses, he will be guilty and will have
to confess] and make amends [but he shall not be liable for sin and shall not
die.] 2 [Whoever enters the covenant, for all Israel for an eternal law, he must
impose upon his so]ns who [succeed in passing among whose who are enrolled]
3 [the oath of the covenant. And such is] the regulation, [throughout all the age
of wickedness, for whoever]
Frag. 13 (= CD -A xiv, 1-22) 1 [And this is the exact interpretation of the ses-
sion of the Many and these are the foundations which make the assem]bly
And this is the exact interpretation of 2 [the regulations by which they shall be
ruled until there arises the messiah of] Aaron and of Israel. 3 [He will atone for
their sins ... pardon, and guilt...] 4 [...in riches, although he knows, and ...
and they keep him apart] from the pure food 5 [. . . he shall be punished] for six
6 [days.... shall be punished] for ten
4QDamascus Document^ (4Q272 [4QD8])
Frag. 1 col. 1 (= 4QD* 9 1, 1 - 12) 1 [. . . a tumour,] or a rash, or a [white spo]t [. . .]
2 [and the rash is a wound of wood or of] stone, or any wound through the
arrival of the spi[rit which takes hold] 3 [of the artery and the blood returns]
upwards or downwards, and the artery [...] 4 [...] ... [...] 5 [The priest shall
examine the skin,] living and [dead. If the] dead [skin is not deeper] than 6 [the
living (skin) he shall confine him until] the flesh grows. / [until] the blood re-
turns to the artery, and afterwards he shall compare. / The priest shall examine
him 7 [on the seventh day: if the] spirit of life goes up [and down and the] flesh
has grown 8 [he is cured. . . the] rash. The priest shall not examine the skin of
the fl[esh] 9 [. . .] But if the tumour or the rash is deeper 10 [than the skin and
the priest sees in] it as it were the form of living flesh [...] 11 [it is leprosy
which has taken hold] of the living skin. And in accordance with this regulation
12 [. . . The priest shall examine it] on the [sev]enth day; if something [live] has
7o
RULES
4QD*
been added 13 [to the dead. . . it is mal]ignant [leprosy.] Blank 14 [And the regula-
tion for ringworm of the head or of the beard: ...] the priest shall examine it,
is [and if the spirit enters the head or the beard in one block ...] underneath
the hair 16 [and changes its appearance to yellowish, for it is like a pla]nt under
which there is a worm: 7 7 [cut its root and its fruit turns pale.] And as for what
he sa[id: Lev 13:33 «The priest shall order them to shave] 18 [their head, but] not
to shave [their ringworm»,] it is so that the priest can count 1 9 [the dead and
living hairs, and see: if] some living (hairs) [have been added] to the dead ones
20 [during seven days, he is impure; but if] living (hairs) [have not been added
[to the dead ones]
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= 4QD* 9 1, 12- 16) 1 and the artery is full of blood and the spirit
of life goes up and down [through it,] 2 this plague [is healed.] This is [the
regulation for the so]ns of Aaron, [so that they differentiate ...] 3 And the
regulation for the man with go]norr[hoea. Everything which . . .] 4-6 [. . .] 7 and
he shall wash his clothes [...] 8 in it. He who touches [...] 9 the discharge of
blood or of se[men...] 10 seven days [...] 11 he who touches [...] 12 and in ...
[...] 13 you shall scrape [...] 14 the water [...] 75 [...] 76 alive [...] 1 7 his hand
[...] 18 [. . .]
4QDamascus Document* (4Q273 [4QD*])
Frag, i col. 11 (= 4Q1T 1 1, 6- 15) 1 ...[...] 2 says [. . .until the flesh grows. And]
3 the priest [shall examine him on the] seventh [day: if the spirit of life goes up
and down] 4 [and] the flesh has grown, he is cured of [. . .The priest shall not
examine] 5 [the] skin of the flesh [. . .] 6 or the rash in it [. . . and the priest sees
in it as it were the form] 7 of [living] flesh [...] 8 [...] 9 if something live has
been added to the [dead...] it is [malignant leprosy] 10 And the regulation for
ringworm of the he[ad or of the beard...] 11 the priest [shall examine it,] and
if the spi[rit] enters [the head or the beard. . .]
Frag. 2 7 [...].. . and she covers [...] 2 [...]... in her impurity ... for she [. . .]
3 [. . .] are [. . .] eternal. No-one should take [. . .] 4 [. . .] ... and he shall count . . .
[...] until [...]
c Copies from other caves
5QDamascus Document (5Q12 [5QD])
Frag. 1 (= CD -A ix, 7- 10) 1 ...[...] 2 which tells him: Lev 79:77 «You shall 8
reproach your fellow so as not to incur sin because of him». 3 Concerning the
oath. As for what [he said: 7 Sm 25:26 «You shall not do justice with your (own)
4QD-6QD
THE DAMASCUS DOCUMENT
71
hand», - whoever forces the making of an oath] 4 in the open field, [not in the
presence of judges or at their command, has done justice for himself with his
hand.] Blank Every lo[st] object
6QDamascus Document (6Q15 [6qd])
Frag. 1 (= CD-A iv, 19-21) 1 [The builders of the wall who] go [after Zaw-Zaw
is a preacher 20 as it is said:] 2 [Mic 2:6 ((Assuredly he will preach»-are] caught
[twice in fornication: by taking two wives] 3 [in their lives, even though the
principle of crea]tion is Gen 1:27 ((male [and female he created therm. ]
Frag. 2 (= CD -a v, 13- 14) 1 [They are all ignit]ers of fire, ki[ndlers of blazes;
webs of a spider are their webs, and their eggs are] 2 [vip]er’s [eggs.] Whoever
is close to them [will not be unpunished; the more he does it, the guiltier he
shall be, unless he has been compelled.]
Frag. 3 (= CD -A v, 18 -VI, 2) 1 [For in ancient times there arose Moses and]
Aaron, by [the hand of the prince of lights and Belial raised up] 2 [Jannes and
his brother with his cun]ning during the [first deliverance [of Israel. And in
the age of devastation of the land] 3 [there arose those who shifted the bound-
ary and] made Israel stray. And they la[id the land waste, for they spoke of
rebellion] 4 [against God’s precepts through the hand of Mos]es and al[so] of
the holy anointed ones. [They prophesied deceit in order to turn] 5 [Israel away
from following G]od. But God remembered the covenant of the very fir[st, and
from Aaron raised men of knowledge ...]
Frag. 4 (= CD -a vi, 20 -vii, 1) 1 [ho]ly [portions] according to their exact
interpretation; for each to love his brother] 2 like himself; to strengthen [the
hand of the poor, the needy] 3 [and the foreigner;] for each to seek [the peace
of his brother, and not commit sin] 4 [each one against his bloo]d relative;] to
[refrain from fornication ...]
Frag. 5 1 2 [...Whoever] lies with [...] 3 [...No-one should lie with
a] man as one lies [with a woman . ..] 4 [...]... to cause to pass [...] 5 [...] the
covenant of God in their hearts [...]
72
RULES
4QSD
3 Fragments of other rules
4QSerek Damascus Rule (4Q265 [4QSD])
Frag, icol.i 1 2 j [.. .] days. Blank [...] 4 [...] thirty days
[• • •] 5 to half his bread, for fifte[en. . .] 6 he shall be punished for three months
[■••] 7 his fellow what is written in front of him, shall be kept apart [...]# in
them to half his bread. Blank And whoever [. . .] 9 thirty days. Blank And whoever
cheats kfnowingly ...] 10 months and shall be punished in them to half his
bread [...] 11 knowingly in any matter, shall be punished for thirty days. [...]
12 kn[owingly,] shall be kept apart for six months. Blank [...]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 [...] in the session of the Many, shall be punished for thfirty
days . . .] 2 [. . .] he shall count him who sleeps up to three times; and if [. . .] j
[. . .And] whoever enters for [. . .] the council [of the communi]ty [. . .] 4 [. . .] the
Many, if it falls upon him [...] they shall instruct him and explain for a year
[• • •] j [•••] the Many shall question him. Blank And if [...] is not fou[nd . ..] 6
[...] the Inspector of the Many [...] the law and not [...] 7 [...] yet another full
year. [And when] the year of [. . .] [is complete [...]$[...] the Inspector of the
Many [. . .] 9 [. . .] he shall enter [. . .]
Frag. 2 col. 1 1 and [. . .] 2 on the sabbath day. No-one should [. . .] dirty [clothes]
3 [• ■ ■] And whoever (goes) with dir[ty] clothes [or] which have dust on them or
[••■] 4 [• ••] sabbath. Blank No-one should take out of his tent a vessel or food
5 on the sabbath Blank day. No-one should take out an animal which has fallen
6 [into] water on the sabbath day. Blank But if it is a man who has fallen into
water 7 on the sabbath day, his garment should be thrown to him to lift him out
with it. No-one should carry a vessel 8 [. . .] sabbath. And if . . . [. . .]
Frag. 2 col. 11 /[...] on the [sabbath] day [...] 2 [...] sabbath. And [...] not [...]
3 [■ ■ ■] Whoever is afraid [. . .] 4 [. . .it is] a great day and a fast(-day). On the day
[...] s [■■■] the animal shall walk two thousand cubits [...] 6 [...from the
temjple, thirty stadia. Do not remfove. . .] 7 [. . .] will be in the community coun-
cil fifteen [...] 8 [And] when the community council is established [... those
chosen by its] 9 will, and it shall be the aroma of a pleasant fragrance to atone
for the land [. . .] 10 shall end in the judgment of the times of wickedness [. . .]
11 Blank In the first week [...] 12 for he did not enter the garden of Eden. And
their counsel [. . .] 13 [. . .] until . . . not [...]/,#[...] holy the garden of Eden. And
every father who is within it will be holy [. . .] is shall be impure for seven days,
as in the days of menstrual impurity, shall be impure. And thfirty . . .] 16 of her
purification. But if she gives birth to a baby girl, she shall be impure [...] ,7
[. . .] in the blood of her purification. In everything which is holy [. . .]
5Q 13
FRAGMENTS OF OTHER RULES
73
5QR.uk (5Q13)
Frag. 1 i 2 [...] God of all [...] j [...] and he founded upon [...]
4 [•■•]••• the treasures [...]5 [...] for them alone, for he made [...] 6 [...] you
chose from the sons of the gods [...] 7 [...] and with Noah, your chosen one
you have destroyed [. . .] 9 [. . .] to understand your works [. . .] ,0 [. . .]
. . . the service of [. . .] 77 [. . .] ... you commanded him [. . .] 72 [. . .] every man of
Israel [. . .]
Frag. 2 1 [...]... 2-3 [...] 4[...} for ever 5 [...] with Abraham 6 [.. .] you showed
yourself to Jacob at Beth El 7 [. . .] and Levi [you made hjoly and placed to undo
*[••■] y°u chose the sons of Levi to go out 9 [. . .] in their spirits in your pres-
ence 70 [..J and after two 77 [...] an oath upon 12 [...] to
Frag. 4 7 [. . .he] stands before the Inspector [. . .] 2 [. . .] and shall not become
pure through atonement, [. . .] 3 [. . .] Unclean, unclean shall he be all the days
[••■]* [■•■] these things shall they do, year after year al[l the days ...]
Frag. 5 ,[...] his reward ...[...] 2 [...] by the hand of Belial, and not [. . .] 3 [. . .]
Israel when [...] arose
Halakhic Texts
76
HALAKHIC TEXTS
A large part of the contents of the ‘Rules’ comprises halakhic regulations, ac-
tual rules of behaviour obtained from a particular interpretation of Old Testa-
ment law-codes. Likewise, many of the texts classed as ‘Biblical Interpretation’,
The Temple Scroll , for example, are nothing more than a collection of halakhot.
Even within para-biblical stories, such as the book of Jubilees , halakhah holds
an important position. In spite of this, it has been considered helpful to devote
a special chapter to ‘halakhic texts’. Included is a unique composition, the
Halakhic Letter , in which the halakhah differentiating the Qumran group from
the rest of Judaism at that time is set out systematically. Included, too, are
those fragments which, in the state they have reached us, contain chiefly
halakhic regulations. However, due to the loss of the rest of the works to which
they belong, it is impossible to know whether these halakhot actually formed
part of works of different literary forms, or whether they belonged to composi-
tions intended chiefly to establish and hand on the halakhah of the group.
The Halakhic Letter , known by the abbreviation 4QMMT ( 4QMiqsat Ma ‘aseh
ha-Torah = ‘Some precepts of the Law’), is important. However, it is difficult
to determine with any precision its contents through reading separately the
various fragments of the copies preserved. Therefore, here the translation of
the fragments of the different manuscripts is prefaced with the translation of
the ‘composite text’ compiled by professors Strugnell and Qimron, who are in
the process of editing the different manuscripts in the tenth volume of the
Series Discoveries in the Judaean Desert. In this way, as in the cases of the Rule
of the Community and of the Damascus Document , it is possible to gain some idea
of what each individual manuscript has preserved for us. Although it would be
easy to separate it into different sections -a calendar, an introduction, a collec-
tion of halakhot and the closing exhortation -each line of the ‘composite text’
is numbered consecutively, for easier reference to the fragments which have
been preserved.
4QMMT 1-41
HALAKHIC LETTER
77
1 Halakhic Letter (4QMMT)
a Composite text
/[...] a sabbath in it; after the sa[bbath, the first and of the second day, a third
day] 2 is added. And the year is complete, three hundred and si[xty-four]
3 days. These are some of our regulations [concerning the law of G]od, which
are pa[rt of] 5 the precepts we [are examining and] they [a]ll relate to [. . .] 6 and
the purity of [. . .] ... [Concerning the offering of the] wheat of the Genftiles
which they . . .] 7 and they touch it [. . .] and they defi[le it: you shall not eat it.]
8 [None] of the wheat of the Gentiles shall be brought into the temple. [. . .And
concerning the sacrifice] 9 which they cook in vessels [of bronze. . .] w the flesh
of their sacrifices and [...] in the courtyard the [...] u with the broth of their
sacrifices. And concerning the sacrifice of the Gentiles: [we say that they sacri-
fice] 1 2 [...] which he is pulling towards it. [And concerning the thank-offer-
ings] 13 which they postpone from one day to another, w[e think] 14 that the
ce[real]-offering [should be eaten] with the fats and the meat on the day of their
sacrifice, and that the] 13 priests should oversee in this matter in such a way
that the [sons of Aaron] do not 16 lead the people into error. And also in what
pertains to the purity of the red heifer in the sin-offering: 17 that whoever
slaughters it and whoever burns it and whoever collects the ash and whoever
sprinkles the [water of] 18 purification, all these ought to be pure at sunset,
ig so that whoever is pure sprinkles the impure. For the sons of 20 [Aaron]
ought [to be ...] 21 [And concerning the] hides of cat[tle and the flocks, we
think that...] 22 the vessels of [hide...] 23 [in order to bring] them into the
tem[ple. . .] 24 [. . .] And also concerning the hid[es and the bones of the unclean
animals; they shall not make,] 25 [from their bones] and from their hides, han-
dles of ves[sels. And also, concerning the carcases] 26 [of the] clean [animals]:
the one who [carries] its carcase [shall not approach the holy purity] 27 [. . .] And
also concerning [. . .] which they [. . .] 28 \_... for] 29 the priests ought to com[ply
with all these] things [so that they do not] 30 lead the people into sin. And con-
cerning what is written: Lev 17:3 [«When a man slaughters within the camp»-
they] 31 [slaughter] outside the camp-«a bull, or a [she]ep or a she-goat»: the
pl[ace of slaughter is to the north of the camp.] 32 And we think that the temple
[is the place of the tent of meeting, and Jerusalem 33 is the camp; and outside
the camp is [outside Jerusalem;] it is the camp of 34 their cities. Outside the
ca[mp. . .] ... [. . .] You shall remove the ashes 35 from the altar and bur[n there
the sin-offering, for Jerusalem] is the place which 36 [ he chose from among all
the tribes of Israel...] 37 [...] 38 [... they] do not slaughter in the temple [...]
39 [And concerning pregnant animals, we think that] the mother and son
[should not be sacrificed] on the same day 40 [. . .And concerning who eats, w]e
think that one can eat the son 41 [who was in the womb of his mother after she
78
HAI.AKHIC TEXTS
4QMMT 41-85
has been slaughtered; and you know that] this is so and that this matter is writ-
ten down; the pregnant 42 [. . . And concerning the Ammonite and the Moabite
and the bastard and the one with crushed testicles and one with severjed penis,
if these enter 43 [the assembly... and ] take a bone 44 [...] 45 [...] we think
46 [. . .] concerning these 47 [. . . that they should not] join them and make them
48 [. . .] and not be brou[ght] 49 [into the temple. . . And you know that some] of
the people 50 [. . .some associating with others. 51 [Because the sons of Israel
ought to keep themselves from all] uncleanness of the male 32 [and be respect-
ful towards the temple. And also] concerning the blind 33 [who cannot see: they
should keep themselves from all uncleanness,] and they do not see the unclean-
ness of 34 the sin-offering. 33 And also concerning the deaf who do not hear the
law or the regulations concerning purity and do not 56 hear the laws of Israel;
for whoever neither sees nor hears, does not 57 know how to apply (them); but
these are approaching the purity of the temple. And also concerning flowing
liquids: we say that in these there is no 59 purity. Even flowing liquids cannot
separate unclean 60 from clean because the moisture of flowing liquids and
their containers is 6j the same moisture. And into the holy camp dogs should
not be brought which 62 could eat some of the bones from the te[mple...] the
flesh on them. Because 63 Jerusalem is the holy camp, the place 64 which He
has chosen from among all the tribes of Is[rael, since Jerusalem is the head
63 of the camps of Israel. And also [concerning] the planting of fruit trees: a
plant 66 in the land of Israel is like the first-fruits, it is for the priests. And the
tithe of the cattle 67 and the flocks is for the priests. And also concerning lep-
ers: we 68 s[ay that] they should [not] enter the holy purity, but instead 69 [re-
side outside the camp], alone. [And] also it is written that from the moment he
shaves and washes he should reside outside 70 [his tent for seven] days. And it
happens that when they are unclean, 71 [lepers approach] the holy purity, the
house. And you know 72 [. . .] and apart from him, shall 73 bring [a sin-offering.
And concerning him who acts offensively it is wrijtten that he is a slanderer and
a blasphemer. 74 [And further: when they have the uncleanness of leprosy] they
should not eat any of the holy things 75 until the sun sets on the eighth day.
And concerning [the uncleanness of a] 76 corpse: we say that every bone,
[whether stripped of flesh] 77 or complete is subject to the law concerning a
dead or murdered person. 78 And concerning the fornications carried out in the
midst of the people: they are [members of the congregation of perfect] 79 holi-
ness, as it is written: «Holy is Israel». And concerning his [pure animal] 80 it is
written that he shall not pair off two species; and concerning clothing, [it is
written that no] 81 materials are to be mixed; and he will not sow his field [or
his vineyard with two species] 81 because they are holy. And the sons of Aaron
are the [holiest of the holy,] 83 but you know that a part of the priests and of
the peo[ple mingle] 84 and they squeeze each other and defile the [holy] seed
[and also] 83 their (own) [seed] with fornications, befcause the sons of Aaron]
4Qmmt 86- n8
HALAKHIC LETTER
79
86 [...] ... [...] who will come*? and who [...]8g And concerning
women: [.. .] and betrayal [. . .] go for in these matters [. . . for] violence and for-
nication [several] gi places have been ruined. And [further] it is writ[ten in the
book of Moses that] an abomination [is not] to be brought [into a house, for]
gz an abomination is odious. [And you know that] we have segregated ourselves
from the rest of the peop[le and (that) we avoid] gj mingling in these affairs and
associating with them in these things. And you k[now that there is not] g4 to be
found in our actions deceit or betrayal or evil, for concerning [these things w]e
give [. . . and further] 95 to you we have wrfitten] that you must understand the
book of Moses [and the words of the pro]phets and of David [and the annals]
96 [of eac]h generation. And in the book it is writtenf...] not to 97 [...] And
further it is written that [you shall stray] from the path and you will undergo
evil. And it is written g8 [. . .] and we determined [. . .] 99 [. . .] And it is written
that 700 [all] these [things] shall happen to you at the end of days, the blessing
701 and the curse [. . . and you shall ass jent in your heart and turn to me with all
your heart 102 [and with a]ll your soul [. . . at the e]nd [of time] and you shall be
[...] 103 [And it is written in the book of] Moses and in [the words of the
prop]hets that [blessings and curses] will come upon you] which [...] 104 [the
bl]essings which c[ame upon] him in the days of Solomon the son of David and
also the curses 1 05 which came upon him from the [days of Je]roboam son of
Nebat right up to the capture of Jerusalem and of Zedekiah, king of Judah
106 [that] he should bring them in [. . .]. And we are aware that part of the bless-
ings and curses have occurred 107 that are written in the b[ook of Mo]ses. And
this is the end of days, when they go back to Israel 108 for [ever...] and not
return [. . .] and the wicked will act wickedly and [. . .] iog And [. . .] remember
the kings of Israel and reflect on their deeds, how whoever of them no who
respected [the Torah] was freed from his afflictions; those who sought the To-
rah in [were forgiven] their sins. Remember David, one of the ‘pious’ and he,
too, 112 was freed from his many afflictions and was forgiven. And also we have
written to you 113 some of the precepts of the Torah which we think are good
for you and for your people, for in you [we saw] 114 intellect and knowledge of
the Torah. Reflect on all these matters and seek from him so that he may sup-
port 11 5 your counsel and keep far from you the evil scheming and the counsel
of Belial, 116 so that at the end of time, you may rejoice in finding that some of
our words are true. 117 And it shall be reckoned to you as in justice when you
do what is upright and good before him, for your good 118 and that of Israel.
B Translation of the individual copies
4QHalakhic Letter3 (4Q394 I4QMMT"])
Frag. 1 col. 1 (= 4QMMT 1-19) 1 [. . .] a sabbath in it; after the safbbath, the first
8o
HALAKHIC TEXTS
4QMMT" 1-2
and of the second day, a third day] 2 is added. And the year is complete, three
hundred and si[xty-four] 3 days. Blank 4 These are some of our regulations [con-
cerning the law of G]od, which are pa[rt of] 5 the precepts we [are examining
and] they [a]ll relate to [...] 6 and purity Blank [. ..] ... [And concerning the of-
fering of the] wheat of the Gen[tiles which they . . . ] 7 and they touch it [ . . .] and
they defi[le it: you shall not eat it.] 8 [None] of the wheat of the Gentiles shall
be brought into the temple. [. . .And concerning the sacrifice] 9 which they cook
in vessels [of bronze. . .] 10 the flesh of their sacrifices and [. . .] in the courtyard
the [. ..] 11 with the broth of their sacrifices. And concerning the sacrifice of the
Gentiles: [we say that they sacrifice] 12 [. . .] which he is pulling towards it. [And
concerning the thank-offerings] 13 which they postpone from one day to an-
other, w[e think] 14 that the ce[real]-offering [should be eaten] with the fats and
the meat on the day of their sacrifice, and that the] 15 priests should oversee
in this matter in such a way that the [sons of Aaron] do not 16 lead the people
into sin. Blank And also in what pertains to the purity of the red heifer in the
sin-offering: 1 7 that whoever slaughters it and whoever burns it and whoever
collects the ash and whoever sprinkles the [water of] 18 purification, Blank All
these ought to be pure at sunset, 79 so that whoever is pure sprinkles the im-
pure. For the sons of
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= 4QMMT 29-35) '3 the priests ought to be vigilant [in all these]
things [so that they do not] 14 lead the people into sin. And concerning what is
written: Lev 17:3 [«When a man slaughters within the camp»-they] 15 [slaughter]
outside the camp-«a bull, or a [she]ep or a she-goat»: the plface of slaughter is
to the north of the camp.] 16 And we think that the temple [is the place of the
tent of meeting, and Jerusalem 17 is the camp; and outside the camp is [outside
of Jerusalem;] it is the camp of 18 their cities. Outside the ca[mp...] ... [...]
You shall remove the ashes from the ig [al]tar and bur[n there the sin-offering,
for Jerusalem] is the place which
Frag. 2 (= 4QMMT 40-53) 6 [.. . And concerning who eats, we think that one can
eat] the son 7 [who was in the womb of his mother after she has been slaugh-
tered; and you know that this is so and that] this matter is written; 8 [the preg-
nant . . . And concerning the Ammonite and the] Moabite 9 [and the bastard and
the one with crushed testicles and one with severed penis, if these enter] the
assembly 10 [... and ] take 11 [a bone ...] we thifnk] 12 [that...] concerning these
13 [... that they should not join them and] make 14 [... and not be brou[ght]
75 [into the temple. . . And you know that some] of the people 16 [. . .some asso-
ciating with others. 17 [Because the sons of Israel ought to keep themselves
from all] uncleanness of the male 18 [and be respectful towards the temple. And
also] concerning the blind 79 [who cannot see: they should keep themselves
from all uncleanness,] and the uncleanness of
4QMMTa'f
HALAKHIC LETTER
8l
Frag. 3 (= 4QMMT 54-69) / [the sin] offering these do not see it. Blank 2 [And
al]so concerning the deaf who do not hear the law or the precepts concerning
purity and do not 3 [h]ear the laws of Israel, for whoever neither sees nor hears,
does not 4 [k]now how to apply (them). But these are approaching the purity of
the temple. Blank 3 [And al]so concerning flowing liquids: we say that in these
there is no 6 [pu]rity. Neither can flowing liquids separate unclean 7 [from]
clean, because the moisture of flowing liquids and their vessels is 8 the same
moisture. And into the [ho]ly camp dogs should not be brought which 9 can eat
some of the bones from the te[mple with] the flesh on them. Because 10 Jerusa-
lem is the holy camp, the place 11 which he has chosen from among all the
trifbes of Israel, since Jerusalem is the head 12 of the camps of Israel. And also
concerning the planting of] fruit [trees: a plant] 13 [in the land of Israel is like
the first-fruits, it is for the pr]iests. And the tit[he of the cattle] 14 [and the
flocks is for the priests. And also concerning] lepers: [we] 13 [say that] they
should not enter the holy pur]ity, but instead] 16 [reside outside the camp,
alone. And also it is written that from the moment he] shav[es and washes he
should reside outside]
4QHalakhic Letter* (4Q395 [4QMMT*])
Frag. 1 (= 4QMMT 10-20) 1 [the flesh of their sacrifices and ... in the courtyard
...] 2 to [...with the broth of their sacrifices. And concerning the sacrifice of
the Gentiles: we say that they] 3 sacrifice. . . which he is pulling towards it. And
concerning] 4 the than(k-offerings which they postpone from one day to an-
other, we think] 3 that the ce[real-offering should be eaten with the fats and the
meat on the day of their sacrifice, and that the priests should] 6 oversee in this
matter [in such a way that the sons of Aaron do not lead the people into sin.]
7 And also in what pertains to the purity of the re[d] /heifer/ [in the sin-offer-
ing: that whoever slaughters it and whoever burns it and whoever collects] 8 the
ash and whoever sprinkles the [water of purification, all these, at sunset,]
9 ought to be pure so that [whoever is pure sprinkles the impure. For the sons
of] 10 Aaron ought to be vigilant [. . .] 11 ... [. . .]
4QHalakhic Letter^ (4Q396 [4QMMT1])
Frag. 1 col. 1 (= 4QMMT 38-43) 1 [... they do not] slaughter in the tem[ple.]
2 [And concerning pregnant animals: we think that] the mother and son [should
not be sacrificed] on the same day 3 [. . .And concerning who eats: w]e think that
one can eat the son 4 [who was in the womb of his mother after she has been
slaughtered; and you know that this is] so and that this matter is written down;
the pregnant Blank 3 [... And concerning the Ammonite and the Moabite and
the bastard and the one with crushed testicles and one with severed] penis, if
these enter 6 [the assembly. . .] ... a bone
82
HALAKHIC TEXTS
4QMMTf 1 II — IV
Frag. 1 col. II (= 4QMMT 52-63) 1 and to be observant of the temple. [And also
concerning the blind] who cannot 2 see: to keep themselves from all
uncleann[ess; and the uncleanness of the sin-offering] they cannot 3 see it. Blank
And also concerning the de[af who do not] hear the law 4 and the precept of
purity and do not hear [the laws of] Israel 3 for whoever neither sees nor hears,
does not [know] how to apply (them). But these 6 are approaching the purity of
the temple. And al[so concerning flowing liquids, we] 7 say that in these there
is no [purity. Neither can flowing liquids] 8 separate unclean from clfean, be-
cause the moisture of flowing liquids] 9 and what contains them is like them.
[And into the holy camp] dogs [should not be brought] 7 0 which e[at some of
the bones from the tefmple. . . with the flesh] ;; [on them.] Because Jerusalem
is the holy camp, the place]
Frag, t col. in (= 4QMMT 64-74) ' which He has chosen from among all the
tribes of Is[rael, since Jerusalem is the head 2 [of the cam]ps of Israel. Blank
And also [concerning the planting of] fruit trees: a plant 3 in the land of Israel
is like the first-fruits, it is for the priests. And the tithe of the cattle 4 and of the
flocks, is for the priests. And also concerning lepers: we 5 s[ay that] they should
[not] enter {the pur} the holy purity, but instead 6 [reside outside the camp],
alone. And also it is written that from the moment he shaves and washes he
should reside outside 7 [his tent for seven] days. And behold, that when they
are still unclean 8 [lepers approach] the holy purity, the house. And you know
9 [. . .] and apart from him, must bring 10 [a sin-offering. And concerning him
who acts offensively it is written that he is a slanderer and a blasp[hemer.] 7;
[And further: when they have the uncleanness of leprosy] they should not eat
any of the holy things
Frag. 1 col. iv (= 4QMMT 75 - 85) 7 until the sun sets on the eighth day. And
concerning [the uncleanness of the corpse of] 2 a man: we say that every bone,
[whether stripped of flesh] 3 or complete, is subject to the law concerning a
dead or murdere[d person.] 4 And concerning the fornications carried out in
the midst of the people: they are [members of the congregation of perfect]
5 holiness, as it is written: «Holy is Israel*. And concerning the [pure animal]
6 it is written that he shall not pair off two species; and concerning clot[hing,
it is written that no] 7 materials are to be mixed; and he will not sow his field
[or his vineyard with two species] 8 because they are holy. But the sons of
Aaron are the [holiest of the holy] 9 [and yo]u know that a part of the priests
and of the peo[ple mingle] 10 [and they] squeeze each other and defile the [holy]
seed [and also] n their (own) [seed] with fornications, [because the sons of
Aaron]
4Qmmt'/ 1-6
HALAKHIC LETTER
83
4QHalakhic Letter^ (4Q397 [4Qmmt^])
Frag. 1 (= 4QMMT 31-36) ?[...] ... [.. .] 2 [. . .but the place of slaughter is to the
norjth of the camp. [And we think that the temple] 3 [is the place of the tent of
meeting, and Jerusalem] is the camp; and outside the [camp is outside Jerusa-
lem.] 4 [It is the camp of their cities. Outside the camp. . . You shall remove the
ash]es [from the altar and burn there the sin-] 5 [offering, for Jerusalem is the
place which he chose from among] all [the tribes of Israel...]
Frag. 2 (= 4QMMT 42-49) 1 [. . . And concerning the Ammonite and the Moabite
and the] bastard [and the one with crushed testicles and one with severjed pe-
nis, if these enter the assembly 2 [. . . and ] take a bone [.. .] 3 [.. .] their impuri-
ties. And also, we think [. . .] 4 [. . .concerning these . . . that they should not] join
them and make [. . .] 5 [. . . and not be brought into the temple. . . And you know
that some] of the peo[ple . . .] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frags. 3 + 4 (= 4QMMT 59-67) / [... Even flowing liquids cannot separate] un-
clean from clean [because the moisture of flowing liquids and their vessels]
2 [is the same moisture. And into the holy camp] dogs [should not be brought]
which could eat some of the bones from the tefmple...] 3 [...] the flesh on
[them. Because Jerusalem is the] holy camp, [the place which He has chosen
from among all] 4 [the tribes of] Israel, since [Jerusalem is the head of the
camps of Israel. And also concerning the planfting of fruit trees: a plant in the
land of] 5 [Isra]el is like the first-[fruits, it is for the pr]iests. [And the tithe of
the cattle and the flocks is for the priests.] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frags. 5 + 6 (= 4QMMT 70-82) 1 [...]...[...] 2 [... And it happens that when
they are uncl]ean lefpers approach the holy purity, the house. And you know
. . .] 3 [ . . . and apart from him, [shall bring] a sin-offering. [And concerning him
who acts offensively it is written that he is a slanderer and a blasphemer.]
4 [And further: when they have the unclea]nness of lefprosy they should not]
eat [any of the holy things until] the sun [sets on the eighth day.] 5 [And con-
cerning the uncleanness of a corp]se, we say that every [bone, whether stripped
of flesh or complete is subject to the] law concerning a dead or murdefred per-
son.] 6 And concerning the fornications carried out in the midst of the peop[le:
they are members of the congregation of perfect holiness,] as it is written:
«Holy is [Israel*.] 7 [And concerning the pu]re [animal], it is written that he
shall not pair off [two species; and concerning clothing, it is written that no]
materials [are to be mixed;] and he will not [sow his field] 8 [or his vineyard
with two] species because they are [holy. But the sons of Aaron are the holi]est
of the holy,
84
HALAKHIC TEXTS
4QMMTS
Frags. 7 + 8 (=4QMMT 86- 103) /[...] ... [. ..] 2 [...] ... [...] who will come 3 and
who [...] ... [...] 4 And concerning womfen...] and betrayal [ ] 5- for in these
matters [... ] for violence and fornication [several] 6 places have been ruined.
And [further] it is written in the book of Moses that | an abomination [is not]
to be brought [into a house for] 7 an abomination is odious. [And you know
that] we have segregated ourselves from the rest of the peop[le and (that) we
avoid] 8 mingling in these affairs, and associating with [them] in these things.
And you k[now that there is not] g to be found in our actions deceit or betrayal
or evil, for concerning [these things] we give [. . . and further] w to you we have
written] that you must understand the book of Moses [and the words of the]
prophets and of David [and the annals] u [of eac]h generation. And in the book
it is written [...] ... [... not to] 12 [...] ... And further it is written that [you
shall stray] from the path and you will undergo [evil. And it is written that]
13 a]ll [these] things [shall happen to you at the e]nd of days, [the blessing]
14 [and the curse . . . and you shall ass]ent in your heart [and will turn to me
with all your 15 [...] which came [...] 16 [...] ... [...]
4QHalakhic Letter1, (4Q398 [4QpapMMT‘])
Frag. 1 (=4QMMT 104- 1 10) 1 [the bl]essings which c[ame upon] him in the days
of Solomon the son of David and also the curses 2 which came upon him from
the [days of Je]roboam son of Nebat and up to the capture of Jerusalem and of
Zedekiah, king of Judah 3 [that] he should bring them in [...]. And we are
aware that part of the blessings and curses have occurred 4 that are written in
the b[ook of Mo]ses. And this is the end of days, when they go back to Israel
5 for [ever...] and not return [...] and the wicked will act wickedly and [...]
6 And [. . .] remember the kings of Israel and reflect on their deeds, how who-
ever of them 7 respected [the Torah] was freed from his afflictions; those who
sought the Torah
Frag. 2 col. 1 1-3 [...]... 4 [...] and we have been established [...] 5 And it is
written. And this will happen because 6 [...] the days of blessing 7 [...] all your
heart
Frag. 2 col. 11 (= 4QMMT 111-118) 1 [they were forgiven] their sins. Remember
David, one of the 'pious’ and he, too, 2 was freed from his many afflictions and
was forgiven. And also we have written to you 3 some of the precepts of the
Torah which we think are good for you and for your people, for [we saw] 4 in
you intellect and knowledge of the Torah. Reflect on all these matters and seek
from him so that he may support 5 your counsel and keep far from you the evil
scheming and the counsel of Belial, 6 so that at the end of time, you may re-
joice in finding that some of our words are true. 7 And it shall be reckoned to
4Qmmt^
HALAKHIC LETTER
85
you as in justice when you do what is upright and good before him, for your
good 8 and that of Israel.
4QHalakhic Lette/(4Q399 [4QMMTfy
Frag. 1 col. 1 (= 4QMMT 111-113) 9 [• • • Remember David, one of the ‘pious’ and
he, too, was frejed 10 [from his many afflictions and was forgiven. And also] to
you we n [have written some of the precepts of the Torah which we think are
good for you] Blank for we saw
Frag. 1 col. II (= 4QMMT 114-118) 1 [in you, intellect and knowledge of the
Torah. Reflect on all these matters and seek] from him 2 [so that he may sup-
port your counsel and keep far from you the] evil scheming 3 [and the counsel
of Belial, so that at the end of time, you may rejoice] in finding that some of
our words 4 [are true. And it shall be reckoned to you as in justice when you]
do what is upright Blank before him, 5 [for your good and that of Is]rael. Blank
6-11 Blank
86
HALAKHIC TEXTS
4Q 159
2 Other Halakhic Texts
2Qjuridical text (2Q25)
Frag. 1 /[...] his mouth [...] is full [...] 2 [...] these obligations [...] 3 [... for]
this is what is written in the book of Moses [. . .]
4Q(')rdinances“ (4Q159 [4QOrd"])
Frag. 1 col. II /[...] Not [...] ... [...] 2 [,..Isra]el and [their infringements and
to atone for all their sins. [When someone harvests] 3 [his field and] makes it
into a threshing floor or a press, whoever comes to the threshing floor [or to the
press, whether levite, foreigner, orphan or widow,] 4 [whoever in Israel owns
nothing, that person can eat some and garner for himself; but he is [not to har-
vest for his household, for «whoever comes into the grain of] 5 a field can eat
it himself, but is not to remove it to his house to store it[»...] 6 Concerning
[ransom:] the money of the census which one gives as ransom for his own per-
son will be half a shekel [corresponding to the shekel of the temple, as an offer-
ing to God.] 7 Only once will he give it in all his days. The shekel comprises
twenty geras in the [shekel of the temple. For all those who enter to be en-
rolled,] 8 for the six hundred thousand: one hundred talents', for the third, half
a talent, [thirty minas ; for the five hundreds, five minas,] g and for the fifty, half
a mina, [twenty]-five shekels. The total [is six thousand and thirty-five and
minas and half a] 10 mina. [Their peace-offering, according to the enrolled: a
thousand m]en, ten minus', [one hundred men, one mina; fifty men, half a mina;}
u [ten men, five sAc£e/s - fi]ve ( shekels ) of silver (make) the tenth part of [a
mina; one man, ten geras -ten (geras) of silver] 12 [(make) half a shekel, since the
shekel has twenty geras at the rate of the she]kel of the temple; haflf a shekel is
the offering for God. . .] the ephah and the hath are the same mea-
sure [. . .] 14 [. . .] three tenths [. . .] 15 [. . .] Blank [. . .] 16 [. . .] all the people, and
they will raise their ha[nds ...] 17 [...] Israel and he will burn the fa[t. ..]
Frags. 2-4 1 [and if he has become poverty-stricken and sells himself to a] for-
eigner or the descendant of a [foreign] fam[ily, to be a day labourer for a year.
He is not to govern him with harshness] 2 in the presence of Isra[el. They] are
not to serve gentiles; with [a powerful hand and an outstretched arm he
brought them out of the land of] 3 Egypt and commanded them not be sold for
the price of a slave. [In an exceptional case, they should go to the ten] men
4 and two priests and be judged by these twelve. [...If there is] 5 a capital
offence in Israel, their authority should be consulted, and whoever disobeys
them [. . .] 6 he will be executed, for he acted presumptuously. A woman is not
to wear the clothes of a male; every[one w ho does so commits an abomination;
4Q 25i
OTHER HALAKHIC TEXTS
8?
he is not] 7 to put on a woman’s cloak, and he is not to dress in a woman’s tu-
nic, for it is an abomination. Blank [...] 8 In the case where a man slanders a
maiden of Israel, if he says it at the mo[ment] of taking her, they shall examine
her; [if] 9 it is proved that he has not lied about her, they shall put her to death;
but if he has testified [false]ly against her, they are to fine him two minas [and
he is not] 10 to divorce her for all the days (of her life). Anyone who [. . .]
4QHalakhah (4Q25 1 [4QHalakah“])
Frag. 1 1 [...] of (the) sin [...] 2 [...] he will compensate for the [enforced
unem]ployment and defray the cost of the treatment. 3 [If a bull gores a man
or a wom]an and (s)he dies, they shall stone the bull 4 [and its meat is not to be
eaten; but the owner will be acquitted. But if the bull had been gorjing in the
past 5 [and, the owner having been warned, had not restrained it and it should
kill a ma]n or a woman
Frag. 2 1 [No-one is to consume grain, wi]ne or oil until [the priest has waved]
2 their first fruits. And no-one is to separate the must, for [wine] 3 is the first
of the must, and the grain is the best part of [. . . And the bread of] 4 the first
fruits are the leavened cakes which they have to carry on the day of [the first
fruits.] 5 These are the first fruits. No-one is to eat the new wheat [...] 6 until
the day of the bread from the first fruits arrives. Not [...]
Frag. 3 z [...] ... [...] 2 [...] Not to 3 [...] the issaron [...] 4 [...] and the animal
[...] 5 [. . .the first]-born of man and of an unclean animal, 6 [.. .the bu]ll and
ram, and the temple of 7 [...] is like the first-born. And the produce of a tree
<?[... and the oijl and the olive(-tree) in the fourth year 9 [. . .] offering, every
holocaust (is) for the priest.
Frag. 4 z [. . .bu]ll or ewe or she-goat which are not perfe[ct] 2 [. . .] And you shall
not eat their flesh, for [. . .] 3 [. . .] No-one is to eat the meat of an animal Blank
4 [and the de]ad [animal] or the torn animal which is not alive, for 5 [. . .] to the
foreigner, and the fat, to ma[ke. . .] 6 [. . .to sacrifice from it [. . .] 7 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frag. 5 z [...].. . and the woman 2 [. . .] they shall eat with his bread, only a dove
3 [. . .] Blank Any fraud used to commit fraud 4 [. . .] to eat, for it is an abomina-
tion. 5 [. . .] an owner (and) has no-one to ransom him
Frag. 6 z [. . .a ma]n with his fellow [. . .] 2 [. . .] ... to the unclean [. ..] 3 [. . .] the
wounded man who falls [...] 4 [...] changes his soul [...] 5 [...] it is a change;
everything that is cut [...] 6 [...] in which there is no soul is dead.
88
HALAKHIC TEXTS
4Q 274
Frag. 7 1 Concerning nakedness: [. . .] 2 A man is not to take the daughter
of his brother or the daughter of [. . .] 4 a man the nakedness of the sister of his
mo[ther. . .] 5 her father and the brother of her mother [. . .] 6 A man is not to
expose the nakedness of [...] 7 A man is not take the wife [...]
4QPurification rules A (4Q274 [4QTohorot a])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 he shall begin to lay down his [re]quest; he shall lie down in the
bed of sorrows, and in the residence of lamentation he shall reside; he shall
reside apart from all the impure, and far from the 2 pure food, at twelve cubits;
he shall dwell in the quarter reserved for him, to the North-east of every dwell-
ing, at the distance of this measure. 3 Every man of the impure who [touches]
him, shall bathe in water and wash his clothes, and afterwards he will eat. For
this is what it says: Lev 13:45-46 «Unclean, unclean, 4 he will shout, all the days
that [the condition la[sts] him». And she who has a discharge of blood, during
the seven days shall not touch the man with gonorrhoea or any of the utensils
which the man with gonorrhoea has touched, 5 <upon which he has lain) /or/
upon which he has sat. And if she does touch, she shall wash her clothes and
bathe, and afterwards, she will eat. And she must not mingle in any way during
her seven 6 days, so that she does not contaminate the camps of the holy [ones
of] Israel. Nor should she touch any woman [with a discharge] of blood of sev-
eral days. 7 And the one who counts (their seven days), whether male or female,
should not tofuch ...] at the onset of her menstruation, unless she is pure of
[her menstruation, for behold, the blood 8 of menstruation is considered like
a discharge [for] him who touches it. And whoever [has an emission of semen
contaminates through contact. [And whoever tou]ches anyone 9 of these impure
persons, during the seven days of [his purification, shall not eat, like whoever
is impure through (contact with a) corpse. [He shall bathe in water] and wash,
and aft[erwards . . .]
Frag. 2 col. 1 1 [...] upon whom he sprinkled for the first time, and he shall
bathe and wash before 2 [.. .shall imm]erse upon him the seventh, on the sab-
bath day. He shall not sprinkle on the sabbath, because 3 [...] on the sabbath;
only, he should not touch the pure food until he changes 4 [...] Whoever
touches a man’s emission of semen shall immerse even all the utensils, and
whoever carries it 5 [...] and shall immerse the clothing upon which it was
found and the utensils which carry it 6 [. . .] And if in the camp there is a man
whose hand does not reach [. . .] 7 [. . .] the clothing which he has not touched;
only that he should not touch it, his food. And whoever does touch 8 [. . .] ...
If he does not touch it [...] in water, and if 9 [...] and he shall wash. And con-
cerning all these holy things, he shall wash [. . .] in water
4Q 275-277
OTHER HALAKHIC TEXTS
89
Frag. 2 col. 11 1 his flesh and thus [. . .] 2 And if [. . .] 3 says [. . .] 4 his bread [. . .]
5 impure reptile [. . .] 6 And whoever touches it [. . .] 7 and all [...] A And if [. . .]
9 who [...]
Frag. 3 /[...] Not [...] the apple of his eyes [...] 2 [...] and every regulation
Blank [...] 3 [...] or every [...] 4 [...] ... [...] 5 [...] and is impurje...] 6 [...] ...
Blank And he shall eat it in purity [. . .] 7 [. . .which] they dissolve by rubbing and
its liquid has evaporated, no-one shall eat it [...]£[...] the impure among them.
And also from among the greens [...] 9 [...] or a stewed cucumber, the man
who pours [. . .]
4QPurification rules b (4Q275 [4QTohorot b])
Frag. 1 1 [. . . the pre]cept, and shall be put to the test until the week [. . .] 2 [. . .]
they will take possession of their inheritance, because ... [. . .] 3 [. . .] the truth;
and those who hate the pillaging [. . .] 4 [. . . they will] flee so as not to kill a man
[• ■ •] 5 [■ ■ •] the judgment. [...] 6 [...] the place. Blank [...] 7 [...] If ... [...]
Frag. 2 ?[...] they will go by the track [. . .] 2 [. . .] those appointed by name [. . .]
3 [...] in the third month [...] 4 [...] And he shall answer and shall say: Blank
[• • •] 5 [••■] and the nations in [...] 6 [...] to them [...] 7 [...]... [...]
Frag. 3 ; and the elders with him until [...] 2 and he shall note in the register
[• • •] 3 The Inspector [will curse. . . and there shall be no] 4 mercy. Accursfed be
...] 5 from his inheritance forever [...] 6 in his destructive] visitation. [...]
4QPurification rules b;’ (4Q276 [4QTohorot is*])
Frag. 1 ?[...] with those which he has not ministered in the holy 2 [of holies. . .]
and he shall pronounce the clothes guilty, and slaughtered shall be 3 [...] the
heifer before him, and he shall place its blood in a new vessel which [.. .] 4 on
the altar, and sprinkle some of the blood with his finger. Blank Seven 5 [times
...] at the entrance of the tent of meeting. And he shall cast the cedar, 6 [the
hyssop and] scarlet into the midst of its fire. 7 [... and he who collects the
ashes of the heifer 8 [. . .] ... as a reserve 9 [for the lustral water . . .] The priest
shall put on
4QPurification rules b‘ (4Q277 CQTohorot b'|)
Frag. 1 1 [... the cedar,] the hyssop and the [scarlet...] 2 [...] pure from every
impurity of [. . .] 3 the priest who atones with the heifer’s blood and all the [. . .]
4 [■■■] and the sewn tunic with which atonement was made for the precept [...]
90
HALAKHIC TEXTS
4Q 277-79.477
5 [. . .] in water [and it will be imjpure till the evening. Whoever carries the vase
of the water of purification will be im[pure . . .] 6 [.. .No-one should sprinkle]
the water of purification upon the impure, [ex]cept a pu[re] priest
upon] them, since he atones for the impure. And a wicked man should not
sprinkle over the impure. [...]« [...] the water of purification. And they shall
enter the water and shall be pure from the impurity of the corpse [...] 9 [...]
other. The prie[st] shall scatter over them the water of purification to purify
10 [. . .] rather, they will be purified and their flesh [will be pu]re. And everyone
who touches [. . .] 11 [. . .] his discharge [. . .] in the water [. . .] 12 [. . .] will be im-
pure [...] his be[d and his] dwelling [...] they touched his discharge, like he
who touches the impurity of [a corpse.] 13 [...] Whoever touches [...][... and
will] be impure till the evening, and whoever carries them [shall wash] his
clothes and will be impure until the evening.
4QPurification rules c (4Q278 [4QTohorot c])
Frag. 1 1 [...no-]one is to lie down 2 [...] where he resides 3 [...] If he does not
touch it 4 [... the th|ird among them who touch 5 [...] the one who touches the
bed 6 [. . .] ... in the place 7 [. . .] ...
4QPurification rules d (?) (4Q279 ? [4QLeqet])
Frag. 1 1 [they shall] glean. And they shall not glean it [...] 2 no-one who
touches the drink of the Many, for [...] 3 [they shall] glean, and the figs {...}
[...] 4 his drink will come out according to ...] All shall glean [in purity...]
5 not to [...] And if they mock (?) [...] 6 They are not to ransom a[ll. ..]... /to
run the risk/ until [. . .] 7 [they shall] glean in purity [. . .] their work [. . .]
Frag. 2 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] they shall glean in purity [...] 3 [...] ... and they
shall glean, each one [...]■/ [...]...[...] 5 [...] innocent [...] 6 [...]... [...]
4QDecrees (4Q477)
Frag. 1 col. 1 /[...] and also the men of the community 2 [. . .] their soul, and to
reproach 3 [. . .] the camps of the Many over 4 [. . .]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 to [...] 2 which [...because] is one who does evil [...] 3 the Many
[...] ... [... Blank And they reproached] Johanan, son of Mata[thias because he
■ • •] 4 and was quick for anger, [and . . .] with him, and has the evil eye, and also
hasaboastful spirit. [...]j[...] ... to darkness. [. . .] Blank- And they reproached
Hananiah Notos because he [...] 6 [...to] reduce the spirit of the commun-
ity...] and also to mortgage [...] 7 [...] And they reproached [...] son of Jo-
4Q 5i3
OTHER HALAKHIC TEXTS
91
seph, because he has the evil eye , and also because no-one [...]£[.. .] and also
he who loves the covering of his flesh [...] 9 [...]- And [they reproached]
Hananiah, son of Sime[on •••] 10 [•••] And also he who loves the [. . .]
-pjOrdinanccs* (4Q513 [4QOrd/’|)
Frags. 1-2 col. 1 2 [. . . the shekel comprises twe]nty \geras] at the rate
of the [temple she]kel [. . .] The half -^[shekel has twe]lve obols, two] zuzirn [. . .]
/and also/ from them comes impurity. 4 [The ephah and the] bath /from these
comes impurity/ are of the same size: [ten issarons. Like the ephah of] grain, is
the bath of wine. The seah 5 [is of three issa\rons and a third of an is[saron.
From them comes imp]urity. And the tenth of the ephah 6 [is an issaron...]
Frags. 1-2 col. 11 1 to approach the holy foodstuffs, for they are unclean [...]
2 ladies of sons of foreigners and all fornication which [. . .] 3 he chose for him-
self, to feed them with all the share of [. . .] 4 and for foo[d (?) of an]gels, and to
atone {in them] with them on Is[rael]’s behalf [...] 5 the fornication of their
food, he bears the sin because he has defiled [...] 6 they [...] sin in their defile-
ment [. . .]
Frags. 3-4 /[...]...[...] 2 [.. .] [holy] convocation [. . .] the waving of the sheaf
[...] j [...] on the sabbath day to ... [...] without counting the sabbaths [...]
4 [. . .] to celebrate the memory of [.. .] the failure of blindness [. ..]5 [. ..] which
... [. . .] and not of the law of Mosesf. . .]
Frag. 10 1 [...]...[...] 2 and the sons of Israel [...] j who should not mingle
with [...] 4 them in pu[rity ...]5 and ... [...] 6 in purity [...] 7 the temple [...]
8 of the sons of Aa[ron . . .]
Frag. 13 /[...] and the natural cavities in the rock 2 [. . .] for their pleasing atone-
ment 3 [...] doing and becoming defiled 4 [... becoming defiled by oil [...]
5 [...] in their impurity [...] 6 [...] to the drifnk...] 7 [...] And if [...] S[...] of
all that [. . .]
4QOrdinances‘ (4Q514 [ 4Q<)rd‘]r)
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 ...[...] a woman [. . .] 2 he must not eat [. . .] for all the impure
[. . .] j to reckon for [him seven days of ablu]tions; and he shall bathe and wash
(his clothes) on the day of [his] purification [. . . And whoever] 4 has not begun
to purify himself of ‘his spring’ is not to eat [. . .Nor can he eat] 5 in his original
impurity. And all the temporarily impure, on the day of their purification,
bathe 6 and wash (their clothes) in water and they will be pure. Blank After-
92
HALAKHIC TEXTS
4Q 514
wards, they shall eat their bread in conformity with the law of purity. 7 He is
not to eat insolently in his original impurity, whoever has not started to cleanse
himself from «his spring», 8 and likewise he is not to eat during his original
impurity. All the temporarily impure, on the day of g their purification, bathe
and wash (their clothes) in water and they will be pure and afterwards they shall
eat their bread 10 in conformity with the law. No-]one is to eat or drink with
any woman who prepares 11 [...] in the service...]
Literature with Eschatological Content
94
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT
Although eschatology flourishes in one form or another in many of the writings
which come from Qumran, it is useful to group together in this chapter a series
of texts devoted completely to describing or exploring this event, which the
texts denote as the ‘final days’ or ‘the end of time’, an event which the Qumran
community felt as imminent (and, to some extent, as already present) and for
which their expectation determined their whole way of life.
The texts collected here are distinguished by content, and not by the literary
form they reveal. In fact, the War Scroll and the Rule of the Congregation could
have been included with the other ‘Rules’; the Description of the New Jerusalem
and 4Q246 are genuine ‘apocalypses’; 1 lQMelchisedek, 4QTestimonia and
4QFlorilegium are various forms of thematic pesharim. The decision to present
together in this chapter material which in terms of form is so varied, is due to
the theme central to all these writings which comprises the various scenarios
of the ‘final days’, the last war and the ensuing peace, the various heavenly
agents of salvation, the different messianic characters, the composition of the
eschatological community, the new Jerusalem and the new temple, etc.
The various continuous pesharim are not included in this chapter, although
these works interpret the biblical text in terms of the ‘final days’, because in
those compositions the exegetical aspect is paramount.
As in the case of other Qumran compositions which have been preserved for
us in various copies, the different versions of the War Scroll exhibit clear signs
of a lengthy editorial development. The problem is so severe, that it would be
quite in order to ask whether particular manuscripts are in fact different edi-
tions of the War Scroll. Or it may be that w hat the manuscripts have conveyed
to us are some of the written sources which the author of the War Scroll used
to produce his work. Or perhaps even these texts are really remnants of other
quite different compositions on the same topic. In spite of these problems the
designation 4QM (War Scroll from Cave 4) has been retained for all the manu-
scripts which have been published under this label, except for 4Q47 1 . Although
published as 4QMA, none of the elements preserved in the minuscule fragments
of this manuscript compels us to consider the work from w hich they originate
to be a copy of the War Scroll.
1QM I 1- 15
THE WAR SCROLL
95
1 The War Scroll
A The Cave 1 Copy
lQWar Scroll (iqm [+1Q33])
Col. 1 1 For the Instructor: The Rule] of the War. The first attack by the sons
of light will be launched against the lot of the sons of darkness, against the
army of Belial, against the company of Edom and of Moab and of the sons of
Ammon 2 and the comp|any of . . . and of] Philistia, and against the companies
of the Kittim of Ashur and [those who assist them from among the wicked] of
the covenant. The sons of Levi, the sons of Judah and the sons of Benjamin,
the exiled of the desert, will wage war against them. 3 [. . .] against all their com-
panies, when the exiled sons of light return from the desert of the peoples to
camp in the desert of Jerusalem. And after the war, they shall go up from there
4 [■ ■ •] of the Kittim in Egypt. And in his time, he will go out with great rage to
wage war against the kings of the North, and his anger will exterminate and cut
oft the horn of 5 [... There] will follow a time of salvation for the people of
God and a period of rule for all the men of his lot, and of everlasting destruc-
tion for all the lot of Belial. There will be 6 g[reat] panic [among] the sons of
Japhet, Ashur shall fall and there will be no help for him; the rule of the Kittim
will come to an end, wickedness having been defeated, with no remnant re-
maining, and there will be no escape 7 [for the so]ns of darkness. Blank 8 And
[the sons of jus]tice shall shine in all the edges of the earth, they shall go on
illuminating, up to the end of all the periods of darkness; and in the time of
God, his exalted greatness will shine for all the [eternal] times, 9 for peace and
blessing, glory and joy, and long days for all the sons of light. And on the day
on which the Kittim fall, there will be a battle, and savage destruction before
the God of 10 Israel, for this will be the day determined by him since ancient
times for the war of extermination against the sons of darkness. On this (day),
the assembly of the gods and the congregation of men shall confront each other
for great destruction, n The sons of light and the lot of darkness shall battle
together for God’s might, between the roar of a huge multitude and the shout
of gods and of men, on the day of the calamity. It will be a time of 12 suffering
fo[r al]l the people redeemed by God. Of all their sufferings, none will be like
this, from its haste (?) until eternal redemption is fulfilled. And on the day of
their war against the Kittim, 13 they [shall go out to destruction. In the war,
the sons of light will be the strongest during three lots, in order to strike down
wickedness; and in three (others), the army of Belial will gird themselves in
order to force the lot of 14 [. . .] to retreat. There will be infantry battalions to
melt the heart, but God’s might will strengthen the hea[rt of the sons of light.]
And in the seventh lot, God’s great hand will subdue 15 [Belial, and a]ll the
96
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM I 15 — III 1
angels of his dominion and all the men of [his lot.] Blank ?6 [. . .] the holy ones,
he will shine out to assist the [. . .] truth, for the destruction of the sons of dark-
ness [...] 17 [...] great [...] they shall stretch out the hand for [...]
Col. 11 1 fathers of the congregation, fifty-two. They shall arrange the chiefs of
the priests behind the High Priest and of his second (in rank), twelve chiefs to
serve 2 in perpetuity before God. And the twenty-six chiefs of the divisions
shall serve in their divisions and after them the chiefs of the levites to serve
always, twelve, one 3 per tribe. And the chiefs of their divisions shall each serve
in their place. The chiefs of the tribes, and after them the fathers of the con-
gregation, shall have charge of the sanctuary gates in perpetuity. 4 And the
chiefs of the divisions with their enlisted shall have charge of their feasts, their
new moons and their sabbaths and all the days of the year -those of fifty years
and upwards. 5 These shall have charge of the holocausts and the sacrifices, in
order to prepare the pleasant incense for God’s approval, to atone for all his
congregation and in order to grow fat in perpetuity before him 6 at the table of
his glory. They shall arrange all /these/ during the appointed time of the year
of release. During the remaining thirty-three years of the war, the famous men
7 called to the assembly, and all the chiefs of the fathers of the congregation,
shall choose for themselves men of war for all the countries of the nations;
from all the tribes of Israel they shall equip for them 8 intrepid men, in order
to go out on campaign according to the directives of war, year after year. How-
ever, during the years of release they shall not equip themselves in order to go
out on campaign, for it is a sabbath of 9 rest for Israel. During the thirty-five
years of service, the war will be prepared during six years; and all the congrega-
tion together will prepare it. 10 And the war of the divisions (will take place)
during the remaining twenty-nine years. During the first year they shall wage
war against Aram-Naharaim; during the second, against the sons of Lud; dur-
ing the third 11 they shall wage war against the remnant of the sons of Aram,
against Uz and Hul, Togal and Mesha, who are beyond the Euphrates; during
the fourth and fifth, they shall wage war against the sons of Arpachsad; 12 dur-
ing the sixth and seventh they shall wage war against all the sons of Assyria and
Persia, and the eastern peoples up to the great desert; during the eighth year
they shall wage war against the sons of 13 Elam; during the ninth they shall
wage war against the sons of Ishmael and Ketura; and during the following ten
years the war will be divided against all the sons of Ham, 14 according to their
clans, in] their dwellings; and during the following ten years the war will be
divided up against all [the sons of Japhet, in their dwellings. Blank 13 [. . .] Blank
[...] 16 [...] of alarm for all their services, for [...] for their enlisted men [...]
and tens above [...]
Col. hi 1 {the battle formations and the trumpets} / the battle formations and the
1QM III 1 -IV3
THE WAR SCROLL
97
trumpets/ of rallying, when the gates of battle open for the men of the infantry
to go out and the trumpets of alarm of the slain and the trumpets of 2 ambush,
and the trumpets of pursuit, when the enemy is struck, and the trumpets of re-
assembly, when they retreat from battle. On the rallying trumpets of the as-
sembly they shall write: «Rallied by God». 3 On the rallying trumpets of the
commanders they shall write: «Princes of God». And on the trumpets for en-
listing, they shall write «Rule of God». And on the trumpets of 4 famous men,
{they shall write} chiefs of the fathers of the congregation, when they meet in
the meeting house, they shall write: ((God’s directives for the holy council*.
And on the trumpets of the camps 5 they shall write: «Peace of God in the
camps of his holy ones*. And on the trumpets of pulling out they shall write:
«God’s mighty deeds to scatter the enemy and force all those who hate 6 justice
to flee*, and «Withdrawal of mercy from those who hate God*. And on the
trumpets of battle formations they shall write: «God’s battle formations for
avenging his wrath against all the sons of darkness*. 7 And on the trumpets for
rallying the infantrymen when the gates of battle open so they can go out up
to the enemy line they shall write: «Memorial of revenge at the moment ap-
pointed by 8 God*. And on the trumpets of the slain they shall write: «God’s
mighty hand in the battle to fell all the slain of unfaithfulness*. And on the
trumpets of ambush they shall write: 9 «God’s mysteries to destroy wicked-
ness*. And on the trumpets of pursuit they shall write: «God has struck all the
sons of darkness, he shall not cause his wrath to return, until they are extermi-
nated*. 10 And when they retreat from battle to return to the line, they shall
write on the trumpets of retreat: «May God re-assemble». And on the trumpets
of the path of return 1 1 from battle with the enemy, to go back to the congrega-
tion of Jerusalem, they shall write: ((Exultations of God in a peaceful return*.
Blank 12 Blank 13 Rule of the banners of all the congregation in order of compa-
nies. On the large banner which goes at the head of all the people they shall
write: «God’s people*, and the name of Israel 14 and of Aaron and the names
of the twelve tri[bes of Israjel according to their genealogies. Above the banner
of the camp chiefs of the three tribes 15 they shall write: [. . .] On the banner of
the tribe they shall write: «God’s flag*, and the name of the prince of [the
tribe...] 16 [...] the name of the princes of the ten thousand and the names of
the prifnces of . . .] 1 7 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Col. iv / And on the banner of Merari they shall write: «God’s offering* and the
name of the prince of Merari and the names of the commanders of his thou-
sands. And on the banner of the thousand they shall write: «God’s Fury un-
leashed against 2 Belial and against all the men of his lot so that no remnant (is
left)* and the name of the commander of the thousand and the names of the
commanders of his hundreds. And on the banner of the hundred they shall
write: «Of 3 God, hand of battle against all degenerate flesh* and the name of
9»
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM IV 3-V 6
the commander of the hundred and the names of the commanders of his tens.
And on the banner of the fifty they shall write: «No longer 4 do the wicked rise,
due to God’s might», and the name of the commander of the fifty and the
names of the commanders of his tens. On the banner of the ten they shall
write: «Songs of jubilation of 5 God on the ten-string lyre» and the name of the
commander of the ten and the names of the nine men under his command.
Blank 6 And when they go to battle they shall write on their banners: «God’s
truth#, «God’s justice#, «God’s glory#, «God’s judgment# and after these
(names) all the ordered list of their names. 7 And when they approach for battle
they shall write on their banners: «God’s right hand#, «Time appointed by
God#, «God’s confusion#, «God’s slaughter#, and after these the complete list
of their names. 8 And when they retreat from battle, they shall write on their
banners: «God’s glorification#, «God’s greatness#, «God’s praise#, «God’s glory#,
with a complete list of their names. Blank 9 Rule of the banners of the congrega-
tion. When they go out to battle they shall write on the first banner: «God’s
congregation#; on the second banner: «God’s camps#; on the third, 10 «God’s
tribes#; on the fourth: «God’s families#; on the fifth: «God’s battalions#; on the
sixth: «God’s Assembly#; on the seventh: «Summoned by 11 God#; on the
eighth: «God’s army#; and they shall write the list of their names in their order.
And when they approach for battle they shall write on their banners: 12 «God’s
battle#, «God’s revenge#, «God’s lawsuit#, «God’s reward#, «God’s might#,
«God’s prize#, «God’s power#, «God’s destruction of all futile nations#, and all
the list of is their names they shall write on them. And when they retreat from
battle they shall write on their banners: «God’s acts of salvation#, «God’s vic-
tory#, «God’s help#, «God’s support#, 14 «God’s joy#, «God’s thanksgiving#,
«God’s praise#, «God’s peace#. Blank 1 5 [Sizes of the banjners: banner of the
whole congregation, fourteen cubits long; banner of the th[ree tribes, thirteen
cubits long; 16 [tribal banner], twelve cubits; [banner of the ten thousand,
eleven [cubits; banner of the thousand, ten cubits; banner of the hundred,] nine
cubits; [banner of the fifty, eight] cubits; banner of the ten, seven [cubits.
Blank\
Col. v 1 And upon the sh[ield] of the Prince of the whole congregation they shall
write his name and the name of Israel and Levi and Aaron and the names of
the twelve tribes of Israel, according to their generations, 2 and the names of
the twelve commanders of their tribes. Blank s Rule of the formation of fighting
battalions. When their army is complete, to fill a front line, the line will be
formed of one thousand men, with seven forward 4 formations per line, each
formation in its order, each man being behind the other. And all shall be armed
with bronze shields, polished like 5 a mirror. And the shield will be surrounded
by a plaited border and will have a pattern engraved, a work of art in gold,
silver and copper blended together, 6 and precious stones, many-hued decora-
1QM V 6-VI 10
THE WAR SCROLL
99
tions, work of a skilful craftsman. Height of the shield: two and a half cubits;
and its width, one and a half cubits. And in his hand, a spear 7 and a sword.
Length of the spear: seven cubits, including the haft, and the tip of half a cu-
bit. In the haft there will be three rings cut, with an border 8 plaited in gold,
silver and bronze intermixed, like a work of art and an engraved pattern. On
both parts of the ring, the pattern will be surrounded 9 with precious stones,
many-hued decorations, work of a skilful craftsman, and an ear of wheat. And
the haft will be engraved between the rings in the style of 10 an artistic column.
The point will be of shining white iron, work of a skilful craftsman, and will
have an ear of wheat, of pure gold, in the centre of the point pointing towards
11 the tip. The swords shall be of purified iron, refined in a crucible and whit-
ened like a mirror, work of a skilful craftsman; and it will have shapes of an ear
of wheat, 12 of pure gold, encrusted in it on both sides. And it will have two
straight channels right to the tip, two on each side. Length of the sword: one
cubit 13 and a half. And its width: four fingers. The scabbard will be four
thumbs; it will have four palms up to the scabbard and diagonally, the scabbard
from one part to 14 the other (will be) five palms. The hilt of the sword will be
of select horn, craftwork, w ith a pattern in many colours: gold, silver and pre-
cious stones, is Blank 16 And when they stand up [. . .] they shall line up in seven
lines, one line behind the other, 17 [...] thirty cubits in which the me[n] shall
have 18 [. . .] the faces [. . .]
Col. VI 1 seven times and they shall return to their position. After them, three
battalions of infantry shall go out and shall take up position between the lines.
The first battalion will hurl against 2 the enemy line seven javelins of war. On
the point of the javelin they shall write: «Sheen of the spear by God’s might».
On the second dart they shall write: j «Arrow of blood to fell the dead by God’s
wrath». And on the third javelin they shall write: «Flame of the sword devour-
ing the wicked dead by God’s judgment#. 4 All these they shall hurl seven times
and go back to their position. And after them, two infantry battalions shall go
out and they shall take up position between the two lines. The first 5 battalion
will be equipped with a spear and a shield and the second battalion will be
equipped with a shield and a sword, to fell the dead by the judgment of God
and to humiliate the enemy line 6 by God’s might, to pay the reward of their
evil towards all the nations of futility. For kingship belongs to the God of Israel
and with the holy ones of his people he will work wonders. 7 Blank 8 And seven
cavalry formations shall take up position, they also, on the right and on the left
of the line. Their formations shall take up position on one side and the other,
seven hundred 9 cavalry on one flank and seven hundred on the second flank.
Two hundred cavalry shall go out with the thousand soldiers of the infantry of
one line. And thus 10 shall they take up position on all the flanks of the camp.
In all, four thousand six hundred; and fourteen hundred mounts for the men
100
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM VI 10-VII 14
of the rule of the lines, 11 fifty for each line. The cavalry, including the mounts
of the men of the rule, will be six thousand, five hundred per tribe. All the
mounts which go out 12 to the battle with the infantry-men shall be stallions,
fleet of foot, tame of mouth, long in w ind, in the fullness of their days, trained
for battle 13 and disciplined to hearing din and the sight of every display. And
those who mount them shall be men, hardened in battle, trained in horseman-
ship. The range of 14 their days will be from thirty up to forty-five years. The
horsemen of the rule shall be between forty and fifty years old. They 15 and
their mounts [shall be attired in cu]irasses, helmets and greaves and shall hold
in their hands circular shields and a spear of eight cufbits] ?6 [...] and a bow
and arrows and war javelins. And all shall be ready 77 [. . .] to shed the blood of
the fallen on account of their wickedness. These are the ones who /#[...] Blank
[...].
Col. VII 1 The men of the rule shall be between forty and fifty years (old). Those
governing the camps shall be between fifty and sixty years (old). The supervi-
sors 2 shall also be between forty and fifty years (old). And all those w ho despoil
the fallen and those who pillage the loot and those who cleanse the earth and
those w ho protect the weapons 3 and those who prepare the supplies all shall
be between twenty-five and thirty years (old). And no young boy or any woman
at all shall enter the camps when they leave 4 Jerusalem to go to war, until they
return. And no lame, blind, paralysed person nor any man who has an indelible
blemish on his flesh, nor any man suffering from uncleanness 5 in his flesh,
none of these will go out to war with them. All these shall be volunteers for
war, perfect in spirit and in body, and ready for the day of vengeance. And
every 6 man who has not cleansed himself of his ‘spring’ on the day of battle
w'ill not go down with them, for the holy angels are together with their armies.
And there will be a space 7 between all their camps and «the place of the hand»
of about two thousand cubits. And no immodest nakedness w ill be seen in the
surroundings of all their camps. 8 Blank g When they draw up the battle lines
against the enemy, one line opposite another line, out from the central gate
towards (the space) between the lines, shall go seven 10 priests of the sons of
Aaron, robed with garments of white byssus, a linen tunic and linen trousers,
and they shall gird on a belt of intertwined byssus, violet, 11 purple and crim-
son, with manv-hued patterns, work of a craftsman, and upon their heads (they
shall wear) turbans. (These are) the garments of war; they shall not bring them
into the sanctuary. 12 The first priest will walk in front of all the men of the
line, to strengthen their hands for battle. And the (other) six shall hold in their
hand 13 the rallying trumpets, the memorial trumpets, the alarm trumpets, the
pursuit trumpets and the trumpets of re-assembly. When the priests go out
14 towards (the space) between the lines, seven levites shall go out with them,
with seven ram’s horns in their hands. Three supervisors from among the
1QM VII I4-IX7
THE WAR SCROLL
101
levites (shall go) in front of 15 the priests and the levites. The priests will blow
the two rallying trumpets [. . . of bat]tle upon fifty shields, 16 and fifty infantry-
men shall go out of a gate [ . . . ] the officers of the levites. And with each 17 line
they shall go out in accordance with this ru[le. . . the infantrymen [shall go out]
of the gates id? [and take up position between the li[nes . . . ] the ba[ttle . . . ]
Col. viii 1 The trumpets shall continue sounding, to guide the slingers until
they have finished throwing seven 2 times. After, the priests shall blow the
trumpets of return for them, and they shall return to the flank of the first 3 line
to remain in their position. And the priests shall blow the rallying trumpets and
there shall go out 4 three battalions of infantry from the gates and they shall
take up position between the lines; at their side, cavalrymen, 5 right and left.
The priests shall blow the trumpets with a sustained blast, the signal for battle
order. 6 And the columns shall deploy in their formations, each in his own
position. When they are in three formations, 7 the priests shall blow for them
a second blast, low and sustained, the signal to proceed, until they approach
8 the enemy line and take hold of their weapons of war. The priests shall blow
the six trumpets g of slaughter with a shrill, staccato blast, to direct the battle.
And the levites and all the throng with ram’s horns shall blow 10 a single blast,
a deafening war alarm, to melt the heart of the enemy. And at the alarm blast
11 the war javelins shall fly, to bring down the slain. The blast of the ram’s
horns will stop, but with the trumpets 12 the priests shall continue blowing a
shrill staccato blast, to direct the fighting hands until they have thrown against
the 13 enemy line seven times. Next, the priests shall blow for them the trum-
pets of retreat, 14 with a low blast, steady and continuous. According to this
rule, the priests shall blow for the three battalions. When 15 the first throws,
the [...], a 16 deafening war alarm to direct the batjtle [... ] the priests [shall
blow] 17 the trumpefts] for them [...] in their positions in the line 18 [...] and
take up positions ig [. . . the sl]ain
Col. IX 1 will begin to strike the fallen with their hands. And all the throng shall
stop the alarm signal, but the priests shall continue blowing the trumpets 2 of
destruction to direct the battle until the enemy has been routed and turns its
back, and the priests shall follow, blowing, to direct the battle. 3 And when they
have been routed in front of them, the priests shall blow the rallying trumpets,
and all infantry-men shall go out towards them from the midpoint 4 of their
front lines. Six battalions shall take up position together with the battalion
which is fighting, seven lines in all, twenty-eight thousand 5 warriors and six
thousand on horse. All these shall pursue the enemy to exterminate them in
God’s battle for 6 eternal destruction. The priests shall blow the trumpets of
pursuit for them, and they shall divide for the pursuit to destruction of all the
enemy. And the cavalry 7 will make them return to the battle zone, until their
102
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM IX 7-X 10
annihilation. When the dead fall, the priests shall follow, blowing at a distance,
and they shall not enter 8 in the midst of the fallen so as not be defiled with
their impure blood, for they are holy. They shall not desecrate the oil of their
priestly anointing with the blood g of futile nations. Blank w Rule for changing
the order of the combat battalions. To establish the formation against [...] a
semicircle with towers, n and an bow of towers and when it advances a little,
the heads go out and the wings [go out, on both] sides of the line, to crush
12 the enemy. The shields of the towers shall be three cubits long and the
length of their spears will be eight cubits. When the towers 13 go out from the
line, (they shall have) one hundred shields on each face of the towers, in all,
each tower will be surrounded on its three forward faces 14 by three hundred
shields. The tower will have two gates, one on the right and the other on the
left. And on all the shields of the towers 15 there will be written: on the first:
‘Michael’, [on the second: ‘Gabriel’, on the third:] ‘Sariel’, on the fourth: ‘Ra-
phael’; 16 ‘Michael’ and ‘Gabriel’ on [the right, and ‘Sariel’ and ‘Raphael’ on
the left..] Blank 17 [...] on the four [...] they shall set an ambush against [...]
Col. x / in our camps and to keep ourselves from any immodest nakedness. And
also he told us that you, great and terrible God, will be in our midst to plunder
all 2 our enemies before us. And he taught us about our generations from an-
cient times, saying: Dt 20:2-5 «When you approach for battle, the priest is to
stand up and speak to the people 3 saying: ‘Listen Israel, those of you ap-
proaching for battle against your enemies. Do not be afraid, and may your
hearts not fail; 4 do not fear and do not tremble in front of them, for your God
goes with you to do battle for you against your enemies to save you’». 5 Our
officers shall speak to all those in readiness for battle: to those with resolute
hearts, to strengthen them with God’s power, 6 and to all (those) whose heart
melts, to send them away and to strengthen together with all the intrepid he-
roes. For (this is) what you [said] by Moses’ hand, saying: Num 10:9 «When there
is a war 7 in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, you shall blow the
trumpets and you shall be remembered before your God, 8 and you shall be
saved from your enemies.»
Who (is) like you, God of Israel,
in the heavens or on earth,
to do great deeds like your deeds,
9 marvels like your feats?
And who (is) like your people, Israel,
whom you chose
from among all the peoples of the earth,
10 a people of holy ones of the covenant,
learned in the law, wise in knowledge,
1QM X 11-XI 1
THE WAR SCROLL
103
[...]
11 alert to the voice of Glory,
seers of the holy angels,
with open ears,
hearing profound things?
[. . . You created] the dome of the sky,
the army of luminaries,
12 the support of the spirits,
the control of the holy ones,
the treasures of glory,
[in the darkness] of the clouds;
(you are) creator of the earth
and of the laws of its divisions
ij in desert and steppe,
of all its products,
its frui[ts and seeds,]
of the circle of the sea,
of the reservoirs of the rivers,
of the chasm of the abyss,
14 of beasts and birds,
of man’s image,
of the generations of . . .],
of the division of tongues,
of the separation of peoples,
of the dwelling of the clans,
is of the legacy of the nations,
[...]
of the sacred seasons,
of the cycle of the years
and of appointed times
for ever.
[...]
We have known this through your knowledge
that [...]
your heed of our cry,
for [•••]
[...] his house [...]
Col. xi 1 For the battle is yours!
With the might of your hand
their corpses have been torn to pieces
with no-one to bury them.
104
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM X 12-10
2 Goliath from Gath, gallant giant,
you delivered into the hands of David, your servant,
for he trusted in your powerful name
and not in sword or spear.
For the battle is yours!
j The Philistines you humiliated many times
for your holy name.
By the hand of our kings, besides,
you saved us many times
4 thanks to your mercy,
and not by our own deeds by which we did wrong,
nor by our sinful actions.
For the battle is yours!
And it is from you that power comes,
5 and not from our own being.
It is not our might
nor the power of our own hands
which performs these marvels,
except by your great strength
and by your mighty deeds.
6 Thus you taught us from ancient times: Num 24:17-19
«A star will depart from Jacob,
a sceptre will be raised in Israel.
It will smash the temples of Moab,
it will destroy all the sons of Seth.
7 It will come down from Jacob,
it will exterminate the remnant of the city,
the enemy will be its possession,
and Israel will perform feats».
By the hand of your anointed ones,
8 seers of decrees,
you taught us the times of the wars of your hands,
to {fight} /to cover you with glory/ with our enemies,
to fell the hordes of Belial,
9 the seven nations of futility,
by the hand of the poor, those you saved,
with the strength and the peace of your wonderful power.
The melting heart you open to hope.
You shall treat them like pharaoh,
10 like the officers and their chariots in the Red Sea.
1QM XI IO-XII4
THE WAR SCROLL
1°5
Like a torch of fire in straw
you shall burn the fallen spirits,
devouring wickedness,
without ceasing,
11 until the sin has been consumed.
From of old you foretold the moment
of the power of your hand against the Kittim: Isa 31:8
«Ashur will fall by the sword of no-one,
12 the sword of a nobody will devour it.» Blank
13 For you will deliver into the hands of the poor
the enemies of all the countries,
and by the hand of those prone in the dust
you shall fell the powerful ones of the peoples,
you shall give the wicked their reward,
14 on the head of [. . .]
you shall carry out justice by your truthful judgment
on every son of man,
gaining everlasting renown for yourself among the people.
75 [...] the wars,
in order to show yourself great and holy
in the eyes of the remainder of the peoples,
so that they know [. . .]
16 [...] you shall carry out sentence on Gog
and on all his gathering [. . .]
17 [. . .] for you shall wage war against them from the heavens [. . .]
Col. xii 1 For there is a multitude of holy ones in heaven
and a host of angels in your holy dwelling
to praise your name.
And the chosen ones of the holy people
2 you have established for yourself in [...]
The [bo]ok of the names of all their armies
is with you in your holy dwelling,
[. . .] in the dwelling of your glory,
j And the rewards of your blessings
[...] the covenant of your peace
you engraved for them
with the chisel of life,
in order to rule [. . .] during all times eternal,
4 to organize the arm[ies] of your chosen ones
in its thousands and in its myriads,
together with your holy ones and your angels,
106 LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM XII 5 — 1 5
5 to direct the hand in battle
[and destroy] the rebels of the earth
by your great judgments.
And the people of the chosen ones of the heavens
will triu[mph]. Blank
6 Blank
7 You are a God, awesome in the splendour of your majesty,
and the congregation of your holy ones is amongst us
for everlasting assistance.
[We will] treat kings with contempt,
8 the powerful with jeers and mockery,
for the Lord is holy
and the King of glory is with us
together with his holy ones.
The heroes of the army of his angels
are enlisted with us;
g the war hero is in our congregation;
the army of his spirits, with our infantry and our cavalry.
They are like clouds and dew to cover the earth.
10 like torrential rain which pours justice on all that grows.
Get up, hero,
take your prisoners, glorious one,
11 collect your spoil, worker of heroic deeds!
Place your hand on the neck of your foes
and your foot on the piles of the dead!
Strike the nations, your foes,
12 and may your sword consume guilty flesh!
Fill the land with glory
and your inheritance with blessing:
herds of flocks in your fields,
gold, /silver,/ and precious stones in your palaces!
13 Rejoice, Sion, passionately!
Shine with jubilation, Jerusalem!
Exult, all the cities of Judah!
14 Open the gates for ever
so that the wealth of the nations can come in!
Their kings shall wait on you,
all your oppressors lie prone before you,
is [and they shall lick] the dust [of your feet].
[Daughters] of my people, shout with jubilant voice!
Deck yourselves with splendid finery!
Rule over the government of . . .]
1QM XII 16-XIII 10
THE WAR SCROLL
IO7
16 [...] Israel, in order to reign for ever.
Blank
77 [. . .] the heroes of the war, Jerusalem [. . .]
18 [. . .] above the heavens, the Lord [. . .]
Col. xin 1 their brothers the priests and the levites and all the elders of the rule
with him. And from their positions they shall bless the God of Israel and all the
deeds of his truth and there they shall damn 2 Belial and all the spirits of his
lot. They shall begin speaking and say:
- «Blessed be the God of Israel
in all his holy plan
^ and in all the deeds of his truth,
j and blessed be all who serve him in justice,
who know him in faith. Blank
4 Accursed be Belial in his malicious plan,
— may he be damned for his wicked rule.
Accursed be all the spirits of his lot
in his wicked Blank plan
- 5 may they be damned for their deeds of filthy uncleanness.
For they are the lot of darkness
and the lot of God is for everlasting light.
6 Blank
7 You are the God of our fathers,
we bless your name always.
We are the people of your [inhejritance.
You established a covenant with our fathers
and ratified it with their offspring
8 for times eternal.
In all the edicts of your glory
there has been a memorial [of your clemency] in our midst
in aid of the remnant,
the survivors of your covenant
- 9 and in order to number the deeds of your truth,
— and the justice of your wonderful might.
_ You, [have crea]ted [us] for you, eternal people,
and you have made us fall into the lot of light
- 70 in accordance with your truth.
" From of old you appointed the Prince of light
to assist us,
and in [...]
and all the spirits of truth are under his dominion.
108 LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT
1QM XIII 11-XIV 5
11 You created Belial for the pit,
angel of enmity;
his [dom]ain is darkness,
his counsel is for evil and wickedness.
■wa All the spirits of his lot
angels of destruction
^walk in the laws of darkness;
towards them goes his only desire.
We, instead, in the lot of your truth,
rejoice in your mighty hand
- 13 we exult in your salvation,
•— we are happy with your aid and your peace.
Who is like you in strength, God of Israel?
14 Your mighty hand is with the poor!
- And which angel or prince is like you for aid?
- Since ancient time you determined the day of the great battle
^ is [••■] to assist truth,
_ and destroy wickedness,
to demolish darkness
and increase light.
[...]
^ 16 [...] for an everlasting stay
^ to exterminate all the sons of darkness
- and happiness for [...]
1 7 Blank
^ 18 [ . . .] You have destined us [. . .] »
Col. xiv 1 like the fire of his wrath against the idols of Egypt. Blank 2 And when
they have departed from the slain in order to enter the camp, they shall all sing
the hymn of return. In the morning they shall wash their clothes and shall wash
3 off themselves the blood of the guilty corpses. They shall go back to the site
of their positions, where they arranged their lines before the slain of the enemy
fell. And there they shall all bless 4 the God of Israel and exalt his name in
joyful chorus. They shall begin to speak and say:
«Blessed be the God of Israel,
the one who keeps mercy for his covenant
5 and pledges of deliverance
- for the people he has redeemed.
He has called those who are tottering
to prodigious [exploits].
He has gathered an assembly of nations
1QM XIV - 13
THE WAR SCROLL
109
for destruction with no remnant.
— In judgment he has lifted up
6 the melting heart;
he has opened the mouth of the dumb
— to sing God’s marvels.
The hands of the frail
-- he has trained in war.
The knees that shake
he gives strength to stand upright.
7 And he girds the kidneys
of those with broken backs.
Among the poor in spirit
[. . .] to a hard heart.
For the perfect ones of the path
-all the wicked nations shall be destroyed.
-- 8 None of their heroes
— will remain standing.
Only we, the remjnant of your people].
Blessed be vour name, God of mercies,
guardian of the covenant of our fathers.
— 9 In all our generations
- you have caused your favours to fall on the remjnant of our people]
^ during the empire of Belial.
In all the mysteries of his enmity,
he has not separated us from your covenant.
10 You have excluded from us
his spirits of destruction.
— • You have protected the soul of your redeemed ones
[when the mjen ot his empire [were scheming],
— You have raised the fallen with your strength,
11 but those who arose, you cut down to humiliate them [. . .]
For their heroes there is no saviour,
there is no refuge for their swift ones.
To their most esteemed
12 you return scorn.
All their useless Blank existence
[you have turned into] nothing.
' We, your holy people,
- will praise your name
- for the deeds of your truth,
__ 13 for your mighty deeds
we will extol Blank [your spl]endour,
110 LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM XIV 13 -XV 1 1
at [every] moment
and at the times indicated
by your eternal edicts,
at the onset of day and at night
14 at the fall of evening and at dawn.
For great is the p[lan of you]r glory
and your marvellous mysteries on high;
in order to raise from the dust for yourself
15 and subdue gods. Blank
— 16 Rise up, rise up, Oh God of gods,
^ and be exalted with power, [King of kings!]
iy [. . .] the sons of darkness,
and your great light [...]
18 [. . .] like a fire will burn [. . .]
Col. xv 1 For there will be a time of suffering for Israel [and a decree] of war
/against/ all the peoples. For God’s lot there will be everlasting redemption
a and destruction for all the wicked peoples. All those who [are ready ] for the
war shall go and camp opposite the king of the Kittim and opposite all the
army 3 of Belial, assembled with him for the day [of extermination] by God’s
sword. Blank 4 The High Priest will take up position, and his brothers the
priests and the levites and all the men of the rule shall be with him. And he w ill
say in their hearing 5 the prayer for the time of war, [as it is written in the
«Bo]ok of the Rule for this time», with all the words of thanksgiving. And he
will array there 6 all the lines, as is written in the «Book of War»], And the
priest assigned for the time of vengeance according to the decision 7 of all his
brothers will go forward, and he will strengthen [the heart of the warriors.] He
will begin speaking and say:
«Be strong and valiant,
show yourselves men of valour.
— 8 Do not be afraid or [tremble,
may your hearts not weaken],
do not be startled, or hesitate in front of them,
•" 9 do not turn back, or [. . .]
For they are a wicked congregation
and all their deeds are in darkness
— i 70 and to it go their desires,
[...] from their refuge,
- their power is like smoke that disappears,
and all the assembly of their hordes
„ 77 [...] will not be found.
1QM XV 11-XVI 13
THE WAR SCROLL
111
All the essence of their being
swiftly vanishes.
12 [...]
Exert yourselves for God’s battle
for today is the {day}/time/ of war.
>3 [•••]
,, against all flesh.
The God of Israel is raising his hand
with his marvellous power.
14 [...] against all the wicked spirits
[...] heroes of the gods girding themselves for battle,
and the formations of the holy ones
75 [gather] for the day of [. . .]
j6 God of Israel [...]
Col. xvi / until is complete all [. . .]
The God of Israel has summoned the sword
against all the nations
and with the holy ones of his people
he will perform marvels#.
2 Blank 3 They shall act in accordance with all this rule on this [day], when they
are positioned opposite the camp of the Kittim. Afterwards, the priest will
blow for them the trumpets 4 of memorial, and the gates of battle shall open.
The infantrymen shall go out and take up positions in columns between the
lines. The priests will blow for them 5 the call of formation, and the columns
[shall deploy] at the blow of the trumpets until each man is stationed in his
position. The priests shall blow for them 6 a second call [... for the atta]ck.
When they are at the side of the Kittim line, at throwing distance, each man
will take up in his hand his weapons 7 of war. The six [priests shall blow] the
trumpets of slaughter with a shrill, staccato note to direct the battle. And the
levites and all the throng 8 with ram’s horns shall blow [the battle call] with a
deafening noise. And when the sound goes out, they shall set their hand to
finish off the severely wounded of the Kittim. And all g the throng will inter-
rupt the sound [of the call, and the priests] shall continue blowing the trumpets
of slaughter, leading the battle against the Kittim. 10 Blank 11 When [Belial]
girds himself to assist the sons of darkness, and there start to fall the dead of
the infantry in accordance with God’s mysteries, and all those appointed for
battle are tested by them, 12 the priests shall blow the rallying trumpets in or-
der to make the other line of reserves go out to fight and they shall take up
position between the lines. 13 And for those involved in the fight, they shall
blow the withdrawal. The High Priest will approach and take up position in
112 LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM XVI 13 -XVII 8
front of the line, and will strengthen 14 their hearts [with the power of Go]d ,
and their hands in their fight. Blank 1 5 And starting to speak he will say:
«[...] the heart of his people
he has tested in the crucible,
[. . .] your dead,
for from ancient times you heard
16 in the mysteries of God [. . .]
17 [• ■ •]
Col. xvii 1 He will place peace for them in the burns
[...]
to those tested in the crucible;
he will whet the weapons of war
and they shall not be blunted until
[all the] wicked [nations are destroyed.]
2 And you, remember the trial
[of Nadab and Abi]hu, sons of Aaron,
a judgment by which God showed his holiness
to the eyes of all the people;
j while Eleazar] and Itamar
he confirmed in his everlasting covenant.
Blank
4 And you, exert yourselves and do not fear.
They incline towards chaos and emptiness,
and their support is the void[...]
5 [To the God of] Israel what is and will be
[. . .] in all that always happens.
This is the day appointed to humiliate
and abase the prince of the dominion of evil.
6 He has sent everlasting aid
to the lot redeemed
by the power of the majestic angel
for the dominion Blank of Michael
in everlasting light.
7 He will the covenant of Israel shine with joy,
peace and blessing to God’s lot.
He will exalt the service of Michael above all the gods
8 and the dominion of Israel over all flesh.
Justice will rejoice in the heights
and all the sons of your truth
will have enjoyment in everlasting knowledge.
1QM XVII 8-XVIII 8
THE WAR SCROLL
113
And you, sons of the covenant,
9 be strong in God’s crucible
until he shakes his hand
and fills up his crucibles,
his mysteries concerning your being».
Blank
10 After these words they shall blow for them /the priests/ in order to arrange
the battalions of the line: the columns shall deploy at the sound of the trumpets
n until each man is in his position. The priests shall blow a second call on the
trumpets, the signal for attack. When 12 [the infantry]men reach [the side of
the] Kittim line, af throwing distance, each man will take his weapons of war
in his hand and the priests shall blow the 13 trumpets of the slain. [The levites
and all] the throng with ram’s horns shall blow the call for war. The infantry-
men will stretch out their hand against the army 14 of the Kittim. [When the
sound of the call ends], they shall start to finish off the severely wounded. All
the throng will stop at the sound of the call, but the priests 15 shall continue
blowing [the trumpets of the slain] and the battle against the Kittim will con-
tinue [...] those struck in front of them. 16 In the third lot [...] i7 [...] God [...]
Col. xviii 1 [...] when the mighty hand of God is raised against Belial and
against all the army of his dominion for an everlasting blow. 2 [. . .] and the call
of the holy ones when they pursue Assyria; the sons of Japhet shall fall without
rising; the Kittim shall be crushed without a 3 [remnant. . .] when the hand of
the God of Israel is raised against the whole horde of Belial. At this instant, the
priests shall blow 4 the memorial trumpets and all the battle lines shall combine
against them and shall divide up against all the camps of the Kittim 5 to elimi-
nate them. And when the sun travels towards its setting on this day, the High
Priest will take up position, likewise the priests and levites who are 6 with him
and the ch[iefs of the men] of the rule. And there they shall bless the God of
Israel. They shall begin speaking and say:
7 «Blessed be your name, God of gods,
for you have made [your people] great
[in order to work] wonders.
From of old you have kept for us your covenant.
You have opened for us many times
the gates of salvation.
8 By reason of your covenant
[you have removed] our unhappiness
in your goodness towards us.
You, just God, have acted
114 LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 1QM XVIII 8-XIX 4
for the Glory of your Name.
Blank
9 Blank
10 [...]
You have performed with us miracle after miracle.
From of old there has not been anything similar.
/For/ you know our appointed time
and today it shines for us.
11 With us you show a merciful hand
in everlasting redemption,
removing for ever the enemy dominion
with mighty hand.
12 [. . .] against our enemies
for complete extermination.
And now there approaches us the day
of pursuing their mob,
13 for you [. . .]
have overcome the heart of the heroes
and no-one is able to stand.
To you the might,
in your hand the battle,
and there is no [...]
14 the moment predetermined according to your will [. . .]
Col. xix 1 [. . .] for the heroes.
For the Lord is holy
and the King of glory is with us.
The army [of his spirits
is with our infantry and cavalry
like clouds and dew]
2 to cover the land
like torrential rain which pours down justice
on everything that grows.
Get up, hero,
3 take your prisoners, oh glorious one,
collect your spoil, wonder-worker!
Place your hand on the neck of your foes*
and your foot [on the piles of the dead!
4 Strike the nations, your enemies,]
and may your sword consume flesh!
Fill your land with glory
and your inheritance with blessing:
4QM" 1-3
THE WAR SCROLL
115
[a herd of flocks in your fields,
5 gold, silver, and precious stones in) your palaces!
Rejoice, Zion, passionately!
Exult, all the cities of Ju[dah!
Open the gates for ever
6 so that] the wealth of the nations [can go in to you!]
Their kings shall wait on you,
[all your oppressors] lie prone in front of you,
and they shall lick the dust of your feet].
7 [Daughters] of my people, shout with jubilant voice!
Deck yourselves with splendid finery!
Rule over the government of . . .]
8 [. . .] Israel, in order to reign for ever. Blank
9 [. . .] on this night to rest until the morning. And in the morning they shall go
out to the place of the line 10 [...] the heroes of the Kittim and the horde of
Assyria and the army of all the peoples [...] 11 fallen there by God’s sword.
And the High Priest will approach [■•■]«[■•■] of war and all the chiefs of the
lines and their enlisted men [. . .] 13 [. . .] the dead of the Kittim. And they shall
praise there the God of [Israel...]
b Copies from Cave 4
4QWar Scroll11 (4Q49 1 1 4QM" |)
Frags. 1-3 1 Qorah and his congregation [. . .] judgment [.. .] 2 in the sight of all
the assembly [ . . . the j udg]ment like a sign [ . . . ] j and the chief of his angels is
with his [armies] to direct the hand in battle [. . .] And this is the regulation (?)
for the mounts and the cavalfry . . . ] 4 And God’s hand will strike [...] for eternal
destruction [...] and they shall atone for you [...] all the prinfces ...] shall not
go towards the enemy lines [. . .] 6 This is the rule in their camps and in [. . .]
and in their divisions [...] round about, outside [...] And the woman, the
under-age boy, everyone who is affec[ted by impurity in his flesh. . .] 7 [ ] and
the smiths and the smelters and those enlisted to be [. . .] for their divisions [. . .]
in the line until their return. Blank There are to be two thousand cubits between
the ca[mps and the place of «the hand», and no] 8 nakedness shall be seen in its
surroundings. And when they go out to free the battle [to humiliate the enemy,
there shall be] among them (some) allotted {...} by drawing lots, from each
tribe, according to their enlisted men, for each day’s task. 9 That day, all the
tribes shall go out of the camps to the house of me[eting. . .] towards them shall
go the [pri]ests, the levites, and all the chiefs of the camps. Blank And they shall
pass there in front of [...] 10 in thousands, in hundreds, in fifties and in tens.
Il6 LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 4QM" 4- 10
And everyone who is not [pure from his «spring»[ that night, shall not go with
them to battle, because the angels of holiness are together with their rows [. . .]
11 [In the advanjce of the line designated for battle on that day, to pass to [...]
to the battle. They shall set up three lines, one line behind another, and shall
put a gap between the lines [...] 12 [They shall march] to the battle in turns.
These are the infantry-men; next to them the men [of the cavalry, who shall
stay between the li]nes. If they lay an ambush for one line, three lines wil] be
ambushed [at a distance, and they will not ri[se...] 13 [...] the battle. And the
trumpets of alarm [...] they will hear them, and the men of [the infantry will
set their hand on their sword to bri]ng if down on the guilty badly wounded.
Afterwards, the ambush will rise from its position, and it, too, will form up in
lines [. . .] 14 The meeting: on the right and on the left, be[hind and in front, the
fo]ur directions. . .] in the battle of extermination. And all the lines which have
approached for battle with the en[emy ... ] together. The first line will [go
out to battle,] and the second will rem[ain ...] in its position. When the first
have carried out their part, they will withdraw and the[y will rise up . . .] 16 The
sec[ond: ...] organizing itself for the battle. The second line will carry out its
part and will withdraw and will refmain in its position.] 77 The th[ird ...] the
levites and the m[en of the rujle. The priests will blow the trumpets every time
[...] 1 8 A belt [of intertwined byssus, violet, purple and crimson, with many-
hued patterns, craftwork, and upon their heads (they will wear) tur]bans. [They
shall not bring them into the sanctuary, be]cause these are the clo[thes of w ar.]
1 g According to all this rule [...] the chiefs of the camps [...] 20 [...] all [...]
they will carry it out to exterminate [. . .]
Frag. 4 1 a [,..fro]m twenty years old and upwards [...]
3 [. . .] in accordance with these precepts [. . .] 4 [. . .] the enemy, to [. . .] the horn
of wick[edness. . .]
Frags. 5-6 (= tQM xii, 1) 1 [For there is a multitude of holy ones in heaven,
and] a host of angels in your hol[y] dwelling [to praise] your name. And the
chosen ones of the holy people . . .
Frag. 7 (= iqm xiii, 8-9) 1 [.. . for times eterjnal. [In all the edicts of your glory
there has been a memorial of your clemency in our midst, in aid of the rem-
nant,] 2 [the survivors of your covenant,] and in order to number [the deeds of
your truth, and the justice of your wonderful might...]
Frags. 8- 10 col. 1 (= iqm xiv, 4- 18) / [his name in joyful] chorus. [. . .] Blank [.. .]
2 [They] shall begin to speak and say: «Blessed be the Go[d of Israel, the one
who] keeps mercy for his covenant and pledges of deliverance for the people.
He has called those who are tottering] 3 [to] prodigious exploits. He has gath-
4QMfl 10-11
THE WAR SCROLL
11?
ered an assembly of na[tionsJ for destruction with no [remnant. In judgment
he has lifted up the meeting heart, [he has opened the mouth] 4 of the dumb
with God’s marvels. The hands of the frail he has trained in war. The knees
that shake he gives strength to stand upright. And he girds [the kidneys] 5 of
those with [broken] backs. [Among the poor in spirit] is the authority over the
hard heart. For the perfect ones of the path all the wicked nations shall be de-
stroyed. [Their] heroes 6 will not remain standing. Only we, the rem[nant of
your people.] Blessed be your name, God of mercies, you have caused your
favours to fall upon us during the empire of Beli[al.] 7 [In all the mysteries of
his enmity, he has not separated us from your covenant. [But his spirits of
destruction] you have excluded from us when the men [of his empire] were
scheming. 8 [You have protected the soul of] your redeemed ones. And now,
you have raised [the fallen with your strength,] but those who arose, you cut
down [to humiliate them.| 9 [For their heroes there is no] saviour, there is no
refuge for their swift ones. To their most es[teemed you return scorn. All their
useless] w [existence you have turned into] nothing. We, your people, will
praise your name for the deeds of your truth; for your mighty deeds we will
extol 11 [your splendour at every mom]ent and at the times indicated by your
eternal edicts, [at the onset of day] and at night at the fall [of evening] 12 [and
at dawn. For great is] the plan of your glory, and your marvellous mysteries on
hi[gh;[ in order to raise [from the dust for yourself and subdue] 13 [gods. Rise
up, ri]se up. Oh God of gods, and be exalted with power, King of kin[gs!...]
you have placed over 14 [. . .] they scatter before you, the sons of darkness, and
your great light [... god]s and men 1 5 [...like a hre] which lights up the places
of darkness and of ruin; in the places of the ruins of Sheol will bu[rn ...] the
rebels 16 [...] in all the times appointed for ever. Blank [...] 17 [All the hy]mns
of battle will they recite there, and afterwards they shall return to the ca[mp
. . .] there, on the order [. . .]
Frags. 8-10 col. 11 7 ...[...] 8 against the Kittim [. . .] 9 the infantrymen will set
[their hand to finish off the badly wounded of the Kittim ...] 10 the fight
against the Kittim [...] 11 the dead of the crucible to fall according to [the
mystejries of God, the priests shall blow the trumpets of recall ...[...] 12 the
fight against the Kittim. In the first row [...] 13 The priest designated (?) for
battle shall approach and place himself in front [of the first row ...] 14 will
strengthen their hands with marvellous feats. He will start speaking and say:
[...] 15 vengeance, to devour among gods and men, for [...] not [...] 16 flesh,
except dust. And now [. . .] 1 7 and will {firej/consume/ as far as Sheol. And the
foundation of wickedness[...]
Frag. 11 col. 1 8 [...] has done terrible things marvellously [...] 9 [... in the
stre]ngth of his power the just exult and the holy ones rejoice [...] in justice
Il8 LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 4QM" 11 I — II
10 [. . . ] he established Israel from eternity; his faithfulness and the mysteries of
his prudence in [ . . . ] courage ??[...] and the counsel of the poor for an eternal
congregation. [ . . . ] the perfect 12 [ . . . et]ernal; a throne of strength in the congre-
gation of the gods above none of the kings of the East shall sit, and their nobles
not [. . .] silence (?) 13 [. . .] my glory [is incomparable] and besides me no-one is
exalted. And he does not come to me, for I reside in [...], in the heavens, and
there is no 14 [. . .] ... Iam counted among the gods and my dwelling is in the
holy congregation; [. . .my de]sire is not according to the flesh [and] and all that
is precious to me is in glory 15 [. . .] holy [pl]ace. Who has been considered de-
spicable on my account? And who is comparable to me in my glory? Who, like
the sailors, will come back to tell? 16 [...] Who [...] sorrows like me? And who
[...] anguish who resembles me? There is no-one. He has been taught, but
there is no comparable teaching. 1 7 [...] And who will attack me when I open
[my mouth]? And who can endure the flow of my lips? And who will confront
me and retain comparison with my judgment? 18 [. . .] For I am counted among
the gods, and my glory is with the sons of the king. To me, pure gold, and to
me, the gold of Ophir ig [. . .] Blank [. . .] Blank [. . .] 20 the just in the God of [. . .]
in the holy dwelling, sound [...] 21 [...] proclaim in the meditation of joy [...]
in eternal happiness; and there is no ... [. . .] 22 [. . . J to establish the horn of . . .
[...] 23 [...] to make known his power with strength [...] 24 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 11 col. 11 (= iqm xvi, 3- 14; xvii, 10- 14) 1 [with all this rule on this day,
when they a]re positioned opposite the camp of the Kittim. Afterwards, the
priest will blow] 2 [for them the memorial trumpets, and the gates of ba]ttle
shall o[pen. The infantrymen shall go out and take up positions in columns]
3 [between the lines. The priests will blow for them the ca]ll of forma[tion, and
the columns shall deploy at the sound of the trumpets] 4 [until each man is
stationed in his position. The prjiests shall blow [for them a second call for the
atta]ck. When they are at the side] 5 [of the Kittim line, at] throwing [distance,
each man will take up in his hand his weapons of [war. The six priests shall
blow the trumpets of] 6 [the slain with a s]hrill and staccato [note] to direct the
battle. And the leviftes and all the throng with ram’s horns shall blow the battle
call] 7 with a deafening noise. And when the sound goes out, they shall set their
ha[nd to finish off the severely wounded of the Kittim. And all the throng will
stop the sound of the call . . .] 8 [and] will continue the battle against the Kittim.
Blank [. . . When Belial girds himself to assist] 9 the sons of darkness, and there
start to fall the dead of the infantry [in accordance with God's mysteries, and
all those appointed for battle are tested by them, the priests] w shall blow in
order to make the other line of reserves go out to the fig[ht and they shall take
up position between the lines. And for those involved in the fight,] 11 they shall
blow the withdrawal. The High Priest will approach and ta[ke up position in
front of the line, and will strengthen their hearts with the power of God] 12 and
4QM3 13- 16
THE WAR SCROLL
119
their hands in their fight. [And starting to speak he will say: «. . .] the heart of
his people, you have tested them in the crucible, [. . .your dead,] 13 for from of
old you heard in the myste[ries of God . . .] be in the thick of things and do not
fear when ... [...] 14 [...] he is faithful, and his redeeming help [...] 15 [...the
so]ns of truth, to turn aside the heart which melts and strengthen the he[art. . .]
16 [...the fig]ht this day. The God of Israel will humiliate [...] 77 [...] without
it resisting. For God [it is the kingd]om, and for his people, salvatfion ...]
18 [. . . of ] little time for Belial, and covenant of God of peace for Israel, for all
the appointed times [...] 79 After these words the priests shall blow for them
to form a second battle against the Kitftim. And when each man is stationed]
20 in his position, the priests shall blow a second call, the signal to approach.
When they reach [the Kittim line, at throwing] 21 distance, each man will take
his weapons of war in his hand and the priests shall blow the trum[pets of the
slain...] 22 [... The levites and all] the throng with ram’s horns shall blow a
blast [...] 23 [... to fi]nish off the severely wounded guilty. The sound of [...]
24l- .]•■■[•■•]
Frag. 13 7 [. . . with] the gods ... [ . . .] 2 [. . .] the least amongst you will pursue a
thousand [...] 3 [... eter]nal. [After these wor]ds, [the priests] shall blow [the
call for formation, and the columns shall deploy] 4 [at the sound of the
trum]pets. When they take up position in their battalions, each one in [his posi-
tion, the priests shall blow a second call] 5 [for the attack. And when they are
at the side] of the Kittim line, at throwing distance, [each man] will set his hand
[on his weapons of war. The priests shall blow for the continuation] 6 [of the
fight, with the trum]pets of the slain, with a shrill and staccato note. And the
levites and all [the throng with ram’s horns shall blow the battle call. And the
rows] 7 [shall fig]ht one behind the other, without a space between them, be-
cause [...] All the people will lift up a united voice, saying: [...] 8 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 15 7 [. . .] without [. . .] 2 .. . and your praises [.. .] 3 And we, behold we take
up position to approach [. . .] 4 [. . .] Blank [. . .] 5 [.. .] he will begin speaking and
say to you: «Be strong and courageous [...] 6 [... for the hand of] God is
stretched over all the nations. No [...] 7 [.. to the God Most] High, kingship,
and to his people, salvation. [...]£[...] their impurity; the gods shall approach
upon you [...] 9 [...] to throw all their corpses [...] 10 [...] and all the spirits of
their lot [ . . . ] 11 [ . . . ] eternal together with [ ... ] 12 fight [...]
Frag. 16 7 [...]...[...] 2 [...] and among the whole congregation [. . .] 3 [...] his
holy people, a kingdom of prie[sts...] 4 [.. .] all Israel will gat[her] in Jerusalem
[. . . ] 5 [...] they shall exalt the wonders of [...]
120
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT
4QM*~'
4QWar Scroll4 (4Q492 [4QM4])
Frag. 1 (= 1QM xix, 1-13) / for the heroes. For [the Lord is holy and the King
of glory is with us. The host of his spirits is with our infantry and cavalry like
clouds] 2 to cover the la[nd, like torrential rain which pours down justice on
everything that grows. Get up, hero, take your prisoners, oh] j glorious one,
cofllect your spoil, wonder-worker! Place your hand on the neck of your ene-
mies and your foot on the piles of the fallen! Strike the nations,] 4 your foes,
and may your sword [consume fl]esh! [Fill your land with glory and your inher-
itance with blessing: a herd of flocks in your fields, silver,] 5 and gold in your
palaces! Blank Rejoice, Zion, passionately! [Exult, all the cities of Judah! Open]
6 the gates for ever so that the wealth of the nations can go in to you! Their
kings shall wait on you, [all your oppressors lie prone in front of you, and the
dust of] 7 your feet shall they lick. Blank Daughters of my people, shout with
jubilant voice! Deck yourselves [with splendid finery! Rule over the govern-
ment of . . .] 8 your camps, and Israel for an eternal kingdom. Blank Afterwards,
they shall gather in the camp on this night [to rest until the morning.] 9 [And
in the] morning they shall go out to the place of the line where there fell the
heroes of the Kit[tim and the ho]rde [of Assyria and the army of all the peo-
ples] 10 [gathered together. If] a large number of the wounded died without
burial, (it is) because they fell there by God’s sword. [And the High Priest]
11 [and his second, and the priests,] and the levites, [... of war and al]l the
chiefs of the lines, [and their enlisted men,. 12 gathered in their posi-
tions, over [the dead of the Kittim. And they shall praise] there the God of
Israel [saying: ...] /.? [...] to the God Most High [...]...[...]
4QWar Scroll' (4Q493 [4QM‘])
1 the war. And the priests, sons of Aaron, shall station themselves in front of
the lines 2 and blow the memorial trumpets. And afterwards, they shall open
the gatfes] to the soldiers j of the infantry. The priests shall blow the battle
trumpets [to strike] the lines 4 of the nations. The priests shall go out from
among the severely wounded and station themselves [on one side] and on the
other of [...] 5 on the side of the catapult and the ballista, and they shall not
desecrate the oil of their priesthood [with the blood | of the severely wounded,
6 nor shall they approach any of the lines of the soldiers of the infantry. They
shall blow a shrill note so that the men 7 of war sally out to approach between
the lines of the trumpets of [the slain.] And they shall begin B to stretch out the
hand for battle. When their part is accomplished, they shall blow for them the
trumpets of withdrawal 9 so that they enter the gates; and the second line shall
go out. In accordance with this rule the le[vites] shall blow w for them during
their part: in their sallies, they shall blow the trumpets [of recall] for them.
THE WAR SCROLL
121
4Q mjF
u and when they complete (them), the trumpets [of alarm,] and on their with-
drawal, they shall blow [for them the trumpets] 12 of assembly. According to
[this ordinance shall they blow for a[ll the lijnes. Blank [...] 13 [...] over the
trumpets of the Sabbaths [...] 14 [... over the] perpetual [sacrifice] and the
holocaust is written [...]
4QWar Scroll"1 (4Q494 [4QM'y])
Frag. 1 (= iqm 11, 1-3) 1 [the chiefs of] the tribes [...] 2 And the priests and the
levites and the chiefs of [. . .] 3 the priests; and the same for the levites. And the
divisions [...They shall arrange the chiefs of the priests behind the] 4 High
Priest and his second, twelve chiefs [to serve in perpetuity before God. And the
twenty-six chiefs of the divisions] 5 shall serve in their divisions, [and after
them the chiefs of the levites, to serve always, twelve, one per tribe.] 6 [And
after]wards, the chiefs [of their divisions shall each serve in their place...]
4QWar Scroll1, (4Q495 [4QM<’])
Frag. 1 (= iqm x, 9- 10) 1 [And who (is) like your people,] Israel, [whom you
chose from among all the peoples of the earth, a people of] 2 [holy ones of] the
covenant, le[arned in the law...]
Frag. 2 (= iqm xiii, 9- 12) 1 [You,] God, have crea]ted us for you, [eternal peo-
ple, and you have made us fall into the lot of light in accordance with your
truth. From of old, the Prince of light] 2 you appointed to assist us, [and in
. . .and all the spirits of truth are under his dominion.] 3 You created [Belial for
the pit, angel of enmity; his domain is darkness, his counsel is for evil and
wickedness. All the spirits of his lot,] 4 angels of destruction walk in the laws
of darkness...]
4QWar Scroll (4Q496 [4papQvt/])
Col. 1 frag. 3 (= iqm 1, 4-9) 3 [And in his time, he will go out] with great [rage]
to wage war against [the kings of the North, and his anger w ill exterminate]
4 [and cut off the horn of Is]rael. There will follow a time of [salvation for the
people of God and a period of rule for all the men of his lot,] 5 [and of everlast-
ing destruction for all the l]ot of Belial. There will be [great] pa[nic among the
sons of Japhet, Ashur will fall,] 6 [and there will be no help for him;] the rule
[of the Kittim] will come to an end, [wickedness having been defeated, with no
remnant remaining,] 7 [and there will be no escape for] /all/ the sons of dark-
ness. And the sons of [justice shall shine in all the edges of the earth, they shall
go on illuminating,] 8 [up to the end of a|ll the periods of darknfess; and in the
122
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 4QM/ I — III
time of God, his exalted greatness will shine for all the eternal times,] g [for
peace and blessing,] glory and jo[y, and long days for all the sons of light. And
on the day on which the Kittim fall, there will be a fight. . .]
Col. 1 frags. 2 + 1 (= iqm 1, 1 1 - 17) 2 [The sons of light and the lot of darkness
shall battle together for God’s might, between the roar of a huge multitude
and the shout of] gods 3 [and of men, on the day of the calamity. It will be a
time of suffering for a]ll the people redeemed by God. Of a]ll their sufferings,
4 [none will be like this, from its haste (?) until eternal redemption is fulfilled.
And on the day of] their war 5 [against the Kittim, they shall go out to destruc-
tion. In the war, the sons of light shall be the strongest during three lots, in
order to strike down wickedness; and in th]ree (others), [the army of Belial] w ill
gird themselves 6 [in order to force the lot of ... to retreat. The infantry battal-
ions shall melt the heart, but God’s might will strengthen the heart of the sons
of [light.] 7 [And in the seventh lot, God’s great hand will subdue Belial, and
all the angels of] his dominion and al[l the men] 8 [of his lot. . . . the holy ones,
he will shine out to assist the ...] truth, for the destruction of g [the sons of
darkness ...] ... [...]
Col. 11 frag. 7 (iqm 11, 5-6) 1 [to prepare the pleasant incense for [God’s] ap-
proval, [to atone for all his congregation and in order to grow fat] 2 [in perpetu-
ity before him at the table of] his glory. [They shall arrange all these] 3 [during
the appointed time of the year of] release. During the thirty-[three years]
4 [remaining of the war,] the famo[us] men [called...]
Col. 11 frags. 6-5 (= iqm 11, q - 12) 1 [... During the thirty-five years of service,
the war will be prepared during six] years; 2 [and all the congregation together
will prepare it. And the war of the divisions (will take place) during the remain-
ing twe]nty-nine years. 3 [During the first year, they shall wage war] against
Aram-Naharaim; during the second, 4 [against the sons of Lud; during the
third they shall wage war against the remnant of the sons of Aram,] against Uz
5 [and Hul, Togal and Mesha, who are beyond the Euphrates; during the
fourth and the] fifth, 6 [they shall wage war against the sons of Arpachsad;
during the sixth and seventh they shall wage war] against all
Col. in frag. 13 (= iqm 11, 13-14) 1 [... during the ninth they shall wa]ge war
against the sons of Ishmael and Ke[tura;] 2 [and during the following [ten
years] the war will be divided [against all the sons of Ham,] 3 [according to
their clans, in their dwellings; and during the [following] ten [years] 4 [the war
will be divided up against a]ll the sons of Japhet, in their dwellings.]
Col. in frag. 18 (= iqm 11, ? — ill, 2) 2 [...] which [...] 3 [...] they shall write [...]
THE WAR SCROLL
123
4QM/'^
4 [...] Blank [...]5 [...the batjtle formations, and the [rallying] trumpfets of the
formations...] 6 [...] and the trumpefts of alarm of the slain,... 7 [...] the evil
[...]£[...] Blank [...] they shall write: «Ral[lied by God»....]
Col. iv frag. 12 (= iqm hi, 6-7) ; [«Withdrawal of mercy from those who ha]te
God». [...] 2 [And on the trumpets of] battle [formations they shall write:]
3 [. . . And] on the trumpets for [rallying] 4 [the infantrymen when the gates of]
battle [open so they can go out]
Col. iv frag. 11 (= iqm hi, 9-11) 1 [And on the trumpets of pursuit they shall
write:] «God [has struck all the sons of darkness, he shall not cause his wrath
to return, until they are exterminated)).] 2 [And when they retreat from battle
against the en]emy to ret[urn to the line, they shall write on the trumpets] 3 [of
retreat: «May God re-assemble». And on the tru]mpets [of the path of return
from battle with the enemy, to go back to the congregation of] 4 [Jerusalem,
they shall write: «Exultations of God in a peaceful] return* [. . .]
Col. iv frag. 10 (= iqm in, 13-15) 1 [Rule of the banners of all] the congregation
in order of companies. 3 [On the large] banner /of the chief/ which goes at the
head of [all the people they shall write:] 4 [«God’s people*, and the name of
Israel] and of Aaron /and the [name] of the prince./ [Above the banner of the
camp chiefs of] 5 three tribes [they shall write: . . .]
Col. v frag. 16 (= iqm in, ? — iv, 2) 2 [...] the trumfpets. . .] 3 [. . .] ...[...] 4 [And
on the banner of Merari] they shall write: «God’s offering* [and the name of
the prince of Merari and the names of the commanders of] 5 [his thousands.
And on] the banner of the thousand [they shall write: «God’s Fury unleashed
against Belial and against all the men of] 6 [his lot so that no] remnant [(is left)]*
and the |name of the commander of the thousand . . .]
C Texts connected with the War Scroll
4QWar ScrolF (4Q285 [4QM^ ?])
Frags. 1-2 (= 11Q14) ;[...] before Israel [...] 2 [...] for eternal centuries. [And
blessed (be) . . .] 3 [And blessed be all his holy angels. May ] the Most High God
[bless] you, [may he show you his face,] 4 [and for you may he open his] good
[treasure] which is in the heavens, [to cause to fall upon your lands rains of]
5 [blessing, dew and] frost, late and early rains in their season, to give [you fruit,
the harvests of] 6 [wheat, of wine and of] oil in plenty. And for [you] the land
will yield [superb fruits. And you shall eat them] 7 [and be replete. In your
land] there will be no miscarriages or [illness; drought and blight] 8 will not be
124
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT IIQ14 . 4Q47I
seen in your harvests; there will be no disease [or stumbling blocks in your
congregation, and evil will vanish] 9 from the land. There will be no pestilence
[in your land.] For God is with [you and the holy angels are in the midst of
your Community. And his] 10 holy [name] is invoked over [you ...];;[...] and
within you [...] interior
Frag. 4 1 [...] 2 [...] the Prince of the Congregation and all Is[rael ...] 3 [...] the
Kittim [...] 4 [...] upon ...[...] 5 [...] the Kittim. Blank [...] 6 [... the Pri]nce of
the Congregation as far as the sea [...] 7 [...] in front of Israel at that time [...]
8 [. . .] (he) will station himself opposite them and take up position against them
[. . .] 9 [. . .] they shall return to dry land at the time of [. . .] 10 [. . .] they shall lead
him [. . .]
Frag. 5 1 [.. . as | the Prophet Isaiah [said] Isa 10:34-. «[The most massive of the]
2 [forest] shall be cut [with iron and Lebanon, with its magnificence,] will fall.
A shoot will emerge from the stump of Jesse [. . .] 3 [. . .] the bud of David will
go into battle with [. . .] 4 [...] and the Prince of the Congregation will kill him,
the bu[d of David ...]5 [.. .] and with wounds. And a priest will command [. . .]
6 [...] the destruction of the Kittim [...]
liQBlessings (uQi4[iiQBer])
?[...] and they shall bless in the name [of the God of] 2 Israel. And they shall
start speaking [and say: ...] Israel. May they be blessed 3 in the name of the
Most High God [. . .] and blessed be your holy Name 4 for everlasting centuries.
Blank 6 May the God Most High bless you, may he show you his face, and for
you open 7 his good treasure which is in the heavens, to make it come down
upon your lands: Blank 8 rains of blessing, dew and frost, early and late rains in
their season, to give you the fruits, 9 the produce of wheat, of wine and of oil
in plenty. And for you the land will produce superb fruits. 10 And you shall eat
them and be replete. In your land there will be no miscarriages u or sickness:
drought and blight will not be seen in your harvests; 12 (there will be neither]
stealing of children (?) nor obstacles in your congregation, and evil will vanish
from [the land.] 12 [the sword will not pass] through your land. For God is with
you and the [holy] angels 13 [are to be found] in your Community. And his holy
Name is invoked over you.
4QWar Scroll* (4Q471)
Frag. 1 ;[...] of all that [. . .] 2 [. . .] each one from his brother; and from the sons
of [...] 3 [...] they shall always be with him and [...] 4 a man from each tribe
5 [...] and from the levites 6 two [...] and they sh[all serve ...] always, each
4QM471 ■ 529
THE WAR SCROLL
125
7 [. . .] so that they will be instructed in the regulations. . .] 8 [. . .] in their divi-
sions [. . .] 9 [. . .]
Frag. 2 7 [...] for the time when you commanded them not to 2 [...] and you
have been disloyal to his covenant 3 [. . . and you] said: «Let us fight our battles,
for he saves us» 4 [... your ch]ampions shall be subdued and they shall not
know that he scorns 5 [.. .] be men for war and you shall be numbered 6 .
Blank You shall ask for a just judgment and the work of 7 [. . .] you shall extol.
Blank And he will choose [. . .] the shout of <?[...] you shall return [. . .] sweet
Frag. 4 1 2 [. . .] to keep the pledges of your covenant [. . .] 3 [. . .] all
their armies, slow to anger[. . .] 4 [. . .] and to discourage their hearts from every
[. . .] 5 [. . .sljaves of darkness, for their judgment [. . .] 6 [. . .] in the wickedness
of their lots [. . .] 7 [. . .] and to choose evil, and to [. . .] 8 [...] hates God, and he
has established [...] 9 [...] all the good which [...] 10 [...] the frenzy of his re-
venge [. . .]
Frag. 5 7 [...] (to) God and to [...] 2 [...] for ever. And he has placed us [...]
3 [. . . may he] judge his people with justice and [. . .] 4 [. . .] in all his precepts
[. . .] 5 [. . .] for us, in our perversion [. . .]
4QWords of Michael (4Q529)
7 Words of the book which Michael spoke to the angels of God [.. .] 2 He said:
‘I found there troops of fire [...] 3 [...] nine mountains: two to the Eas[t ...]
4 [and two to the] South. There I saw the angel Gabriel [...] 5 ... and I ex-
plained to him his vision’. And he said to me: [...] 6 It is written in my book
that the Great One, the Lord Eternal, [...] 7 the sons of Ham to the sons of
Shem. And now, the Great One, the Lord Eternal [...] 8 when keshabin from
azdara (?) drip [...] 9 See, a city will be built to the name of the Great [Lord
Eternal . . .] 10 all that is wicked shall be done before the Great One, Lofrd Eter-
nal ...] 11 but the Great One, Lord Eternal, will remember his creature [...]
12 [to the Great] One, Lord Eternal; to him the rewards and to him [. . .] 13 in
distant lands there will be a man [...] 14 is he. And he will say to him: ‘Look,
this [...] 15 to me the silver and the gold [...] ... [...] 1 6 [...] justice [...]
126
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 4QSa I I-23
2 The Rule of the Congregation
lQRule of the Congregation (iQ28a [tQSa])
Col. 1 1 And this is the rule of the congregation of Israel in the final days, when
they gather [in community to wa]lk 2 in accordance with the regulation of the
sons of Zadok, the priests, and the men of the covenant who have turn[ed away
from the pa]th 3 of the people. These are the men of his counsel who have kept
the covenant in the midst of wickedness to atone [for the e]arth. 4 When they
come, they shall assemble all those who come, including children and women,
and they shall read into their ea[rs] 5 all the regulations of the covenant, and
shall instruct them in all its precepts, so that they do not stray in their [errors.]
6 Blank And this is the rule for all the armies of the congregation, for all native
Israelites. From his y[outh] 7 [they shall edu]cate him in the book of hagy, and
according to his age, instruct him in the precepts of the covenant, and he wi[ll
receive] 8 [instruction in its regulations; during ten years he will be counted
among the boys. At the age of twenty y[ears, he will transfer] 9 [to] those en-
rolled to enter the lot amongst his family and join the holy community. He
shall not [approach] 10 a woman to know her through carnal intercourse until
he is fully twenty years old, when he knows [good and] n evil. Then she shall
be received to give witness against him (about) the precepts of the law and to
take his place in the proclamation of the precepts. 12 And on his completion. . .
Blank At the age of twenty-five years, he shall enter to take his place among the
«foundations» of the holy 13 congregation to perform the service of the congre-
gation. And at thirty years (of age) he shall approach to arbitrate in disputes
14 and judgments, and to take his place among the chiefs of the thousand of
Israel, the commanders of a hundred, commanders of fifty, 1 5 [commanders]
of ten, the judges and the officials and their tribes with all their families, [ac-
cording to the decision of the sons of 16 [Aa]ron, the priests, and of all the
chiefs of the clans of the congregation, as the lot for him comes out, to take his
place in the duties, 77 to go out and to come in before the congregation. And
in accordance with his intelligence and the perfection of his behaviour, he shall
gird his loins to remain steadfast, doing 18 the allotted duty among his brothers.
Depending on whether (he has) much or a little, one will be more or less hon-
oured than his fellow. 79 When the years of a man increase, they shall assign
him a task in the service of the congregation matching his strength. No man
who is a simpleton 20 shall enter the lot to hold office in the congregation of
Israel for dispute or judgment, or to perform a task of the congregation, 21 or
to go out to war to subdue the nations; merely, his family shall inscribe him in
the army register, 22 and he will do his service in the forced labour to the extent
of his ability. The sons of Levi shall each stay in his post, 23 under the author-
ity of the sons of Aaron, to make all the congregation come in and go out, each
lQSa i 23-1121
THE RULE OF THE CONGREGATION
127
one in his rank, under the direction of the chiefs 24 of the clans of the congre-
gation, as commanders, judges /and officials/, according to the number of all
their armies, under the authority of the sons of Zadok, the priests, 25 [and of
all] the chiefs of the clans of the congregation. Blank And if there is a convoca-
tion of all the assembly for a judgment, or for the community council, or for
a convocation of war, they shall sanctify themselves during three days, so that
every one who comes 27 is pre[pared for the coujncil. These are the men who
are to be summoned to the community council from ten. . . Blank : all 2Sthe wi[se
men] of the congregation, the intelligent and those learned in perfect behaviour
and the men of valour, together with 29 [the chiefs of the tri]bes and all the
judges, the officials, the chiefs of thousands, the chiefs of [hundreds,]
Col. 11 1 of fifties and of tens, and the levites, (each one) in the mid[st of his
division of service. These 2 are the famous men, those summoned to the as-
sembly, those gathered for the community council in Israel 3 under the author-
ity of the sons of Zadok, the priests. No man, defiled by any of the impurities
4 of a man, shall enter the assembly of these; and everyone who is defiled by
them should not be 5 established in his office amongst the congregation. And
everyone who is defiled in his flesh, paralysed in his feet or 6 in his hands,
lame, blind, deaf, dumb or defiled in his flesh with a blemish 7 visible to the
eyes, or the tottering old man who cannot keep upright in the midst of the
assembly, 8 these shall not enter to take their place among the congregation of
famous men, for the angels 9 of holiness are among their congregation.] And
if one of these has something to say to the holy council, 10 they shall investigate
it in private, but the man shall not enter in the midst of [the congregation,]
because he is defiled, u This is the assembly of famous men, [those summoned
to] the gathering of the community council, when [God] begets 12 the Messiah
with them. [The] chief [priest] of the all the congregation of Israel shall enter,
and all 13 [his brothers, the sons] of Aaron, the priests [summoned] to the as-
sembly, the famous men, and they shall sit 14 befo[re him, each one] according
to his dignity. After, [the Me]ssiah of Israel shall ent[er] and before him shall
sit the chiefs 13 [of the clans of Israel, each] one according to his dignity, ac-
cording to their [positions] in their camps and in their marches. And all 16 the
chiefs of the clfans of the congregation with the wise [men and the learned]
shall sit before them, each one according i7 to his dignity. And [when] they
gather at the table of community [or to drink] the new wine, and the table of
18 community is prepared [and] the new wine [is mixed] for drinking, [no-one
should stretch out] his hand to the first-fruit of the bread ig and of the [new
wine] before the priest, for [he is the one who bljesses the first-fruit of bread
20 and of the new wine [and stretches out] his hand towards the bread before
them. Afterwards, the Messiah of Israel shall stretch out his hand 21 towards
the bread. [And after, he shall] bless all the congregation of the community,
128
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 4QSa II 21 -22
each [one according to] his dignity. And in accordance with this regulation they
shall act 22 at each me[al, when] at least ten m[en are gathered. Blank
2Q24
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
129
3 Description of the New Jerusalem
2QNew Jerusalem (2Q4 [2QNJ ar])
Frag. 1 [And he led me to the interior of the city and measured each] 1 [block,
length and width: fifty-one rods by] fifty-one [in a square,] 2 [three hundred
and fifty-seven cubits on each si]de. And a peristyle arou[nd] 3 [the block, the
portico of the street: three rods, twenty-one cubits.] Also he showed me all the
measurements 4 [of the blocks. Between one block and another there is the
street, six rods wide: cubits,] forty-two.
Frag. 3 7 [...] one [...] 2 [...] and he measured up to the sapphire door [...]
3 [...] which is before [...] 4 [...] the wall [...]
Frag. 4 1 their flesh [. . .] 2 as a pleasant offering [. . .] 3 and they shall bring into
the temple [. . .] 4 eight sheahs of finest fl[our . . .] 5 and they shall wave the bread
[...] [...] 6 to the East upon the alt[ar ...] 7 lined up upon the ta[ble ...] 8 two
rows of loafves ...] 9 the bread. And they shall take the bread [...] 10 to the
West. And they shall be shar[ed . . .] 77 And I looked until [...] 12 the list (?) [...]
13 the elders among them and fourteen prifests . ..] 14 the priests. Blank The two
loaves which [. . .] 13 I stood until one of the two loaves was given [. . .] 16 with
him. Blank I was watching until it was given to a[ll . . .] 18 [. . .] of the ram to each
person [...] 79 [...] until the moment when they sat down [..J20 [...] in all [...]
27 [•••] ... [...]
Frag. 8 1 [...]...[...] 2 [. . .] ten. The fou[rth] row [. . .] 3 [. . .] the walls of whi[te]
stone [...] 4 [...] the others, the outer side, twenty [...] 5 [...] and they shall
make atonement with it upon [it ...] 6 [...] and yet it will not be ended. Each
day [...] 7 [...] the courtyard. And he showed me [...] another outside [...]
8 [. . .] one hundred and ten [. . .]
4QNew Jerusalem* (4Q554 [4QNj* ar])
Frag. 1 col. 1 9 [...] ... 10 [...] and all those buildings 11 [...from the] East [cor-
ner] which is to the North 12 [...] thirty-five stadia; and he secured 13 [... the
door of] Simeon; and from this door up to the central door 14 [... and he se-
cured this door to what they call door 1 5 [. . .] South thirty-five stadia 16 [. . . and
from] this door he measured up to the corner 77 [... and fr]om this corner to
the West 18 [...] they call the door of Joseph 79 [... sta]dia, twenty-four. And
he secured 20 [. . . and from] this [do]or he measured up to the door 21 [... the
do]or of Reuben and [from] this [do]or 22 [...] and from this corner he mea-
sured up to
130
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT
4Q554
Frag. 1 col. u 7 and from the door 8 of the centre [twenty-four] stadia.
[...] this [door] they ca[ll] the door of Naphtali. And he measured from this
9 door up to the door which [...:] twenty-four stadia. And he measured this
door: they call it 10 door of Asher. And he mefasured from this do]or up to the
corner which is to the East: n twenty-four stadia. Blank 12 And he led me to the
interior of the city and mefasured each bl]ock, length and breadth: ; ; fifty-one
rods by fifty-one, in a square, [all around] three hundred and fifty-seven cubits
14 on each side. And (there was) a peristyle around the block, the portico of the
street: 15 three rods, twenty-one cubits. Also he showed me all the measure-
ments of all the blocks; between one block and another 16 there is the street:
width, six rods, forty-two cubits; and the main streets which run 17 from East
to West: the width of two of these streets is of [ten rods;] cubits: 18 seventy;
and he measured the third, which passes to the [left] of the temple: ig eighteen
rods in width, [one hundred and twenty-six cubits.] And the width 20 of the
streets that run from South [to North: two of them are] nine rods 21 and four
cubits each street, [sixty-seven] cubits. And he measured the width of [the
middle one, which is the cen]tre 22 of the city: [thirteen] rods [and a cubit,
ninety-two cubits.] And all the streets and the city [were paved with white
stone]
Frag. 1 col. ill ij and the wifdth of . . .] its dimensions are: cubits, [. . . Ele mea-
sured the width of each threshold:] 14 rods, [two; cubits, fourteen; from the
lintel, [one cubit... Ele measured over each threshold] 15 its jambs, and mea-
sured inside the threshold: its length [is thirteen cubits and its width ten cu-
bits. [...] 16 And he led me to the vestibule. There was another threshold and
another door to the side of the inner wall, on the right side, 17 with the dimen-
sions of the outer door: four cubits in width and seven cubits in height, with
two rooms. In [front] 18 of this door, the entrance threshold, of one rod in
width, seven cubits. The length of the entrance: two rods, cubits, ig fourteen;
and the height: two rods, fourteen cubits. And the door corresponding to this
door, the one which opens to the block, has 20 the dimensions of the outer
door. To the left of this entry he showed me a stairwell which goes ro[und and
up:] its len[gth] 21 and its width are the same size: two rods by two, fourteen
cubits. The do[ors which are opposite the other doors are] 22 the same sizes.
And the column [within the space,] upon which the staircase goes round and
u[p ...]
Frag. 2 col. 1 14 [. . .] two 15 [. . .] and rods 16 [. . .] the measurement of 17 [. . .] the
city
Frag. 2 col. 11 13 [. . .] and its foundations, [width:] two rods; [cubits,] 14 fourteen;
and its height: seven rods, forty-nine cubits. And all 15 the buildings in it are
5Q555
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
131
of sapphire and of rubies, and the windows (?) (are) of gold, and (have) one
thousand 16 [four hundred] and thirty-two towers. Their length and their width
are the same size: iy [...] and their height, ten rods, 18 [seventy cubits...]
fourteen 19 [...] two 20 [. ..] ... cubits 21 [...] two, to the door 22 [. . .] ... three,
and the towers project
Frag. 2 col. in 14 ...[...] 15 after him, and the kingdoms which [. . .] 16 Kittim
(?) after him, all at the end of all [. . .] iy many others and the chiefs with them.
[...] 18 with them Adorn and Moab and the sons of Ammon [...] 19 of Babel,
all its land which shall not be fre[ed ...] 20 and they shall do evil to your de-
scendants until the moment that [ . . . ] 21 with all the people [. . .] the kings [. . .]
22 and the peoples shall d[o] with them [...]
4QNew Jerusalem* (4Q555 I4QNJ* ar])
Frag. 1 /[...] And the staircase which [climbs up at its side] is four cubits wide,
and goes round 2 [and upwards to a height of two rods, up to the roof.] Blank
3 [And he brought me into the block and showed me the houses there; from one
porch to another,] fifteen; eight from the side up to the corner, 4 [and from the
corner up to the other porch.] Length of the houses: three rods; cubits, twenty-
one; and their width: 5 [two rods, fourteen cubits. And all the rooms the same.]
Their height is two rods, fourteen cubits. Their door is in the middle; 6 [it is
two rods, fourteen cubits, in width. And he measured the width of the middle
of the houses and of their interior,] four cubits; length and height, one rod,
seven cubits 7 [... The site is nineteen cubits] in length and twelve cubits in
width. The house 8 [has twenty-two beds, and there are eleven lattice windows
above the beds.] At their side is the outer gutter. 9 [And he has measured . . .
from the window: height, two cubits; width, ... cubits, and its thickness is the
width of the wall. Height of] its inner part: cubits 10 [... and of the other ...
cubits ...] two rods; cubits, fourteen 11 [...] to the South ...12 [...] and the roof
which is over them
5QNew Jerusalem (5Q15 [5QNJ ar])
Frag. 1 col. 1 / [around,] three hundred and fifty-seven cubits on each side. And
a peristyle around the block, the portico of the street: three rods, twenty-one
cubits. 2 Also he showed me all the measurements of all the blocks. Between
one block and another is the street, six rods in width, forty-two cubits. 3 And
the main streets which run from East to West; width the streets: of two of them
are of ten rods, seventy cubits; and he measured the third, the one which passes
to the l[eft] of the temple: eighteen rods in width, [one hundred and twenty-six
cubits. And the width of the streets which run from South 5 [to North:] two of
132
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT
4Q15
them are nine rods and four cubits each one, sixty-seven cubits; the one in the
mid[dle, which is in the cen]tre of the city, he measured its width: thirteen rods
and a cubit, ninety-two cubits. All the streets of the city are paved with white
stone 7 [.. .] alabaster and onyx. Blank 8 [And he measured the four hundred]
and eighty [posterns:] the wi[dth of] the posterns is two rods, [fourteen cu-
bits. . .] g In each door there were stone jambs; the width of the jafmbs] is [one]
rod, [seven cubits.] w [He showed me the dimensions of] the twelve... The
width of their doors of three rods, [twenty-one cubits.] u [Each door has two
jambs;] width of the jambs: one and a half rods, ten and a half cubits ... /a [On
the side of each door were two to]wers, one on the right and the other on the
left. Their height and their width [are the same size: five rods by five,] 13
thirty-three cubits. The staircase which skirts the inner door, to the right of the
towers, goes up to the height of the to[wers and is five cubits in width. The
towers] 14 [and the staircases are five rods by five, and five cubits, forty cubits
on each side of the door [...] 75 And he showed me the dimensions of the
porches of the blocks; their width is two rods, fourteen cubits; and the wi[dth
of ...] their dimensions are ... cubits. 16 [He measured above each] threshold
its jambs, and measured inside the threshold: its length is thirteen cubits and
its width ten cubits. 18 And he led me inside the vestibule. There was there
another threshold and another door to the side of the inner wall; on the right
side, with the dimensions of the outer 1 g door: four cubits in width and seven
cubits in height, with two rooms. In front of this door, the entrance threshold,
of one rod in width,
Col. 11 ? seven cubits. The length of the entrance: two rods, fourteen cubits, and
the height: two rods, fourteen cubits. And the door 2 corresponding to this
door, the one which opens to the block, has the dimensions of the outer door.
To the left of this entry he showed me a stairwell 3 which goes round and up:
its length and its width are the same size: two rods by two, fourteen cubits. The
do[ors which are opposite] 4 the other doors are the same sizes. And the pillar
within the space, upon which the staircase goes round and up, its width and its
len[gth are six by six cubits] 5 squared. And the staircase which goes up at its
side is four cubits in width, and goes round and up to a height of two rods, up
to [the roof.] 6 And he brought me [to the interior of] the block and showed me
the houses there, fifteen from one porch to another; eight from one side up to
the corner, 7 and from the corner up to the other porch. Length of the houses:
three rods; twenty-one cubits; and their width: 8 two rods, fourteen cubits. And
all the rooms the same. Their height is two rods, fourteen cubits. Their door
g is in the middle; it is two rods, fourteen cubits, in width. [And he measured
the width of the middle] of the houses and of their interior [...] 70 four [cubits;]
length and height, one rod, seven cubits [...] The site is nineteen cubits in
length 77 and twelve cubits in width. The house has twenty-two beds, and there
11Qi8 1-12
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
133
are eleven lattice windows above [the beds.] 12 At their side is the outer gutter.
[And he measured . . .] from the window: height, two cubits; [width, . . . cubits,]
and its thickness is the width of the wall. [Height of its inner] part: 13 [...] cu-
bits [and of the other . . . cubits.] And he measured the edges of the platforms:
nineteen [cubits in length] and twelve cubits in width. 14 [. . .] and their height
[...] they open above [...] two rods, [fourteen] 15 cubits; [their width is] three
cubits and their length ten [cubits ..] one and a half cubits, and their height
within [...]
Frag. 2 ?[...] windows [...] 2 [...] all the houses which are in the inside [...]
3 [...] each door, and their thresholds are [...] wide 4 [...] of the columns,
twelve cubits [ . . . ] 5 [ . . . ] from one column to another [ . . . ]
1 lQNew Jerusalem (11Q18 [11QNJ ar])
Frags. 1 + 2 + 31 1 [...]...[...] the throne [...] 2 [...] ... [...] and he is placed
[...Jj [...] ... [...] the temple, and from the blood [...] 4 [...] ... [se]ven rods
[. . .] 5 [...] by forty [...] 6 [...] from the temfple...]
Frags. 3 11 + 4 + 5 + 6 1 ...[...].. . like all which [. . . fro]m before the al[tar . . .]
they were taken [...] 2 the throne [...] ... levites ... [. . .] ... with ... [.. .] ... se-
ven [...] 3 from him ... [...] it will be for them [...] ... for him [...] until the
sun goes down [...].# the hand [...] from [the] festivals [...] oil and wine [...]
offerings [..J5 and over ... [. . .] before him [. . . tw]o bulls [. . .] 6 the temple [. . .
for a plea]sant o[dour . . . ] ... [ . . . ]
Frags. 7 + 81 / [. . . al]l Israel [. . .] all the men who [. . .] 2 [. . .] Blank And as soon
Israel [...] they were appointed over them [...] 3 [...] the Passover sacrifices
[...] until the sun goes down [...] 4 until the sun goes down and all [...] to-
gether. Blank [. . .] 5 [. . .] their peace-offerings [. . .] seven [. . .] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frags. 9 ?[...] the months of Israel [. . .] 2 [...] ... and in the night [...] 3 [...] ...
it will be called [.. .] 4 [.. .] its flesh which [.. .] 5 [.. .] they will be eaten with it
and from [...] 6 they will be eaten and dr[unk...] 7 [...] ... [...]
Frags. 10+111 ?[...] the sun [. . .] and from 2 [. . .] the judge from all [. . .] 3 [. . .]
which four [. . .] 4 [. . .] over all seed [. . .] 5 all year [. . .] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frags. 1 1 11 + 12 / over them and [. . .] over the four horns of the altar, 2 and of
the peace-offering [...] from it, all the fat 3 of their sacrifices [. . .] the two kid-
neys 4 and from the knees [. . .] its cakes soaked [. . .] 5 all its multitude [. . . the
al]tar for an odour 6 from all [. . .] [. . .] in the first place 7 [for I]srael
134
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT UQl8 13-21
Frag. 13 1 [. . . ev]ery seventh day before God, a memorial . . .] and their thank-
offering 2 [...] outside of the temple, to the right of the West, [and it shall be
divided . . .] and they will be accepted. 3 [And I watched until (the bread ?) was
di] vided among the eighty-four priests [ . . .] ja [. . . J from everything the division
of the tables filled itself [. . .] 4 [.. the eldest who are among th]em, and fourteen
prie[sts ...] 5 [priests ... Two (loaves) of brea]d [upon which] was the incense
[...] 6 [I keep watching until one of the two loaves] was given to the [high]
priest [... with him.] 7 [And the other was given to the second who was
stan]ding apart [...]
Frag. 14 1 the grape when it leaves the palm [...] 2 from the radiance in them,
and the fifth] crown [.. .] 3 interior of the cover, and the sixth crown [. . .] 4 sev-
enth [crown], according to the radiance and the [...] 5 [And] the High Priest
was clothed [. . .] 6 ... [. . .]
Frag. 15 1 [...] loosed yet for them, which is [...] 2 [...] and all who have fin-
ished his seven [...] 3 [...] his brothers entered their place, four hundred [...]
4 [...] Blank And he said to me: to the twenty six [...]5 [...] the holy of holies
[. . .] 6 [. . . they] entered [. . .]
Frag. 16 1 [...] the doors which were in front of the temple [...] 2 [... on] the
seventh day. And on the first day of the m[onth . . .] 3 [. . .] is holy. The temple
and the great glory [...] 4 [...] for ever. Blank 5 [...] He started to read to me
from a bo[ok ...] 6 [...] he showed me a book [...] 7 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 17 1 seven cups and bowls to wash [...] 2 [to] me, and higher seven cal-
drons, stoves over the ea[rth...] 3 [and all] of them (are) thirty two thousand
and nine hundred [...] 4 [...] Blank [...] j [...] He said to me: See [...] 6 [...] to
his house the joy and to [. . .] 7 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frag. 18 1 seven by seven. And he sho[wed me . . .] 2 three rods; and the height
of the doors [. . .] 3 to all the twelve door[s. . .] 4 two [rods,] and its breath is the
width of the wa[ll . . .] 5 the first hundred rods [. . .]
Frag. 19 + 20 1 [.. .] around the upper room [.. .] and the two doors 2 [. . .] cubits,
seven columns [... and the wi]dth of the upper room 3 [... their length] and
their [width] are six by six cubits [... and] one; the width of 4 [...] and the
building built upon it [. . .] And likewise 5 [he showed me . . .] and all this build-
ing [...] the stair 6 [...] rods [...]
Frag. 21 1 [. . .] in its four feet. And stretch the bull [. . .] 2 [. . . Wa]sh its feet and
its inwards and salt all of them [ . . . ] 3 [ . . . ] put them on the fire, and the loaves
iiqi8 21-24
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
135
of sifted fine flour [...a fojurth of a seah, and bring (it) all up to the altar
[. . .] 5 [...a fojurth of a seah and a drink offering to the interior [...] 6 [. ..] and
the flesh is mixed together [...] 7 [...] odour. Blank [...] <?[...] beaten (?) near
[...]
Frag. 22 /[...] from these and the mixtures (?) which 2 [. . .] separated and of the
tithes 3 [...] separated and prepared Blank 5 [...] all the West side. 6 [. . .]
the wall 7 [...] ebony <?[...] in the right
Frag. 23 1 [... and] its four sides (?) were high: [...] cubits, [...] 2 [... and the
chan]nel (?) near the wall which surrounds the [...] 3 [ Jits width is two [cu-
bits] and its height two cubits [...] 4 [...] is beautiful and all is of pure gold [.. .]
5 [...] Blank [. . .] 6 of columns turning from one door to [another door ...J 7 [...]
from one door to another in the city-wall [...]£[...] in his hand [. . .]
Frag. 24 1 [...] living waters 2 [...] this wall is of pure gold 3 [...] water from
4 [. . .] Blank s [■ ■ ■] all their stones 6 overlay with gold 7 [. . .] ...
136
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT
4Q174
4 Other Texts
4QFlorilegium (4Q174 [4QFlor])
Frags. 1-3 col. 1 2Sam 7:10 1 [«And] an enemy [will trouble him no mo]re, [nor
will] the son of iniquity [afflict him again] as at the beginning. From the day on
which 2 [I established judges] over my people, Israel*. This (refers to) the house
which [they will establish] for [him] in the last days, as is written in the book
of 3 [Moses: Exod 15:17-18 «A temple of the Lord] will you establish with your
hands, yhwii shall reign for ever and ever*. This (refers to) the house into
which shall never enter 4 [...] either the Ammonite, or the Moabite, or the
Bastard, or the foreigner, or the proselyte, never, because there [he will reveal]
to the holy ones; 5 eternal [glory] will appear over it for ever; foreigners shall
not again lay it waste as they laid waste, at the beginning, 6 the temfple of
Is]rael for its sins. And he commanded to build for himself a temple of man,
to offer him in it, 7 before him, the works of the law. And as for what he said
to David: iSam 7:11 «I shall obtain for you rest from all your enemies*: (it refers
to this,) that he will obtain for them rest from all 8 the sons of Belial, those who
make them fall, to destr[oy them for their s]ins, when they come with the plans
of Belial to make the s[ons of] 9 light fall, and to plot against them wicked plans
so that they are trapped by Belial in their guilty error. Blank 10 And 2Sam 7:12-14
«yhwi-i declares] to you that he will build you a house. I will raise up your seed
after you and establish the throne of his kingdom 11 [for ev]er. I will be a father
to him and he will be a son to me.» This (refers to the) «branch of David*, who
will arise with the Interpreter of the law who 12 [will rise up] in Zi[on in] the
last days, as it is written: Amos 9:11 «I will raise up the hut of David which has
fallen*, This (refers to) «the hut of 13 David which has fallen*, who will arise to
save Israel. Blank 14 Midrash of «Blessed the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked*. The interpretation of this sa[ying: they are those who
turn] aside from the path [of the wicked,] 15 as it is written in the book of Isa-
iah, the prophet, for the last days: Isa 8:11 «And it happened that with a strong
[hand he turned me aside from walking on the path of] 16 this people*. And this
(refers to) those about whom it is written in the book of Ezekiel, the prophet,
that Ez 44:10 «[they should] not [defile themselves any more with all] 17 their
filth*. This (refers to) the sons of Zadok and to the men of his council, those
who seek jus[tice] eagerly, who will come after them to the council of the com-
munity. 18 Ps 2:1 [«Why do] the nations [become agitated] and the peoples plo[t]
nonsense? [The kings of the earth [ag]ree [and the ru]lers conspire together
against yhwh and against 19 [his anointed one*. Interpretation of the saying:
[the kings of the na]tions [become agitated and conspire against] the elect of
Israel in the last days.
4Q175
OTHER TEXTS
137
Frags. 1-3 col. 11 1 It is the time of trial which cofmes ...] Judah to complete
[. . .] 2 Belial, and a remnant will remain [. . .] for the lot, and they shall put into
practice all the law [. . .] 3 Moses; it is [. . .] as is written in the book of Daniel,
the prophet: Dan 12:20 «The wicked [act wickedly. . .] 4a and the just [. . .shall be
whijtened and refined and a people knowing God will remain strong [. . .] 4 ...
[...] after [...] which is for them [ ] 5- [...] in their descent [...]
Frag. 4 ;[■■•] those who devour the offspring of 2 [...fujrious against them in
his zeal 3 [...] This (refers) to the time when Belial will open 4 [...] for the
house of Judah difficulties to bear resentment 5 [...] and he will seek with all
his might to scatter them 6 [ . . . ] he will bring them in to be / [ ... to J u]dah and
to Israel [...]
4QTestimonia (4Q175 [4QTest])
; And **** spoke to Moses saying: Dt 5:28-214 «You have heard the sound of the
words 2 of this people, what they said to you: all they have said is right. 3 If
(only) it were given to me (that) they had this heart to fear me and keep all 4 my
precepts all the days, so that it might go well with them and their sons for
ever!» 5 Dt 18:18-19 «I would raise up for them a prophet from among their
brothers, like you, and place my words 6 in his mouth, and he would tell them
all that I command them. And it will happen that the man 7 who does not listen
to my words, that the prophet will speak in my name, 1 8 shall require a reckon-
ing from him.» Blank 9 And he uttered his poem and said: Num 24:15-17 «Oracle
of Balaam, son of Beor, and oracle of the man 10 of penetrating eye, oracle of
him who listens to the words of God and knows the knowledge of the Most
High, of one who 11 sees the vision of Shaddai, who falls and opens the eye. I
see him, but not now, 12 I espy him, but not close up. A star has departed from
Jacob, /and/ a sceptre /has arisen/ from Israel. He shall crush 13 the temples
of Moab, and cut to pieces all the sons of Sheth.» Blank 14 And about Levi he
says: Dt 33:8-11 «Give to Levi your Thummim and your Urim, to your pious man,
whom 15 you tested at Massah, and with whom you quarrelled about the waters
of Meribah, /he who/ said to his father {. . .} 16 {. . .} and to his mother ‘I have
not known you’, and did not acknowledge his brothers, and his son did not
17 know. For he observed your word and kept your covenant. /They have
made/ your judgments /shine/ for Jacob, 18 our law for Israel, they have placed
incense before your face and a holocaust upon your altar. 19 Bless, ****, his
courage and accept with pleasure the work of his hand! Crush /the loins/ of
his adversaries, and those who hate him, 20 may they not rise!» Blank 21 Blank At
the moment when Joshua finished praising and giving thanks with his psalms,
22 he said Jos 6:26 «Cursed be the man who rebuilds this city! Upon his first-
born 33 will he found it, and upon his benjamin will he erect its gates!» And
138 LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT 4Q246 . 552
now /an / accursed /man/, one of Belial, 24 has arisen to be a fowler’s trap for
his people and ruin for all his neighbours. 25 [. . .] will arise, to be the two in-
struments of violence. And they will rebuild 26 [this city and ere]ct for it a
rampart and towers, to make it into a fortress of wickedness 27 [a great evil] in
Israel, and a horror in Ephraim and Judah. 28 [. . .And they wi]ll commit a pro-
fanation in the land and a great blasphemy among the sons of 29 [.. . And they
will shed blo]od like water upon the ramparts of the daughter of Sion and in
the precincts of 30 Jerusalem.
4QAramaic Apocalypse (4Q246)
Col. 1 /[...] settled upon him and he fell before the throne 2 [. . .] eternal king.
You are angry and your years 3 [...] they will see you, and all shall come for
ever. *[...] great, oppression will come upon the earth 5 [. . .] and great slaugh-
ter in the city 6 [...] king of Assyria and of Egypt 7 [...] and he will be great
over the earth 8 [. . .] they will do, and all will serve 9 [. . .] great will he be called
and he will be designated by his name.
Col. 11 1 He will be called son of God, and they will call him son of the Most
High. Like the sparks 2 of a vision, so will their kingdom be; they will rule
several years over 3 the earth and crush everything; a people will crush another
people, and a city another city. 4 Blank Until the people of God arises and
makes everyone rest from the sword. 5 His kingdom will be an eternal king-
dom, and all his paths in truth and uprightness], 6 The earth (will be) in truth
and all will make peace. The sword will cease in the earth, 7 and all the cities
will pay him homage. He is a great God among the gods (?). 8 He will make war
with him; he will place the peoples in his hand and cast away everyone before
him. His kingdom will be an eternal kingdom, and all the abysses
4QFour Kingdoms" (4Q552)
Frag. 1 col. 1 /[...] Which 2 [...] of 3 [...] ... 4 [...]5 [...] the light of the angels
who were 6 [. . .] he told them what would happen. Blank All 7 [. . .] he has the
strength of the seas. Blank This 8 [. . .] Blank And he said to me: Oh King, since
Blank thus 9 [...] how was everything made? They arose 10 [...] He spoke to
them and explained to them according to the interpretation 11 [...] and their
lords will be destroyed for them.
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 Dawn rose and the four trees [...] 2 A tree rose up and they
turned away from it. And he said [to me: . . .Of what] 3 species is it? And I said:
How will I see and understand this? [And I saw] 4 a tree of fragrances. [...]
5 And I asked: What is your name? And he answered me: Babel. [And I said to
4Q553 • HQ13
OTHER TEXTS
139
him:] 6 You are the one who rules over Persia. And [I saw another tree] 7 Blank
[He who was be]low us swore by [. . .] and said 8 that he was different (?). And
1 asked him: What is your na[me? And he said to me . . .] 9 And I said to him:
You are the one who [rules over . . . and over] 10 the powers of the sea, and over
the market [. . . And I saw] 11 a third tree, and I said to him: [What is your name
And he said to me ...] 12 Your vision [...]
Frag. 1 col. ill /[...] destroyed. And I said to him: He is the one who [. . .] from
2 [...] ... [...] And I saw [...] 3-8 [. . .] 9 [. . .] they will rejoice 10 [...] the vision
11 [...] ... the word 12 [...] which will escape
Frag. 2 9 [...] the lord [...] w [...] God Most High not [...] 11 [...] which there
is above them, and •■■[■■•]«[...] the lord of all, he who establishes judges [. . .]
4QFour Kingdoms* (4Q553)
Frag. 6 col. 1 2 [...]... my hand 3 [. . .] for this I will go 4 [. . .] And he said to me:
in the kingdom 5 [. . .] ... to rebel, and when there is (?) 6 [. . .] ...
Frag. 6 col. 11 2 [. . .] to him. And the trees rose up 3 and turned away [from him
. . .] Blank And I said: How will I see and understand 4 this? And I saw [. . . And
I asked: What is] your name? And he answered me: Babel. Blank And I said to
him: You 5 are [the one who rules over Persia. And I saw] another tree. And I
asked him and said to him: What 6 is your name? [And he said to me. . .]
Frag. 8 col. 1 1 [. . .] all joy 2 [. . .] from Moses 3 [. . .] in the place where 4 [. . .] ...
so that it is called 5 [. . . ] with the name of
Frag. 8 col. 11 / the markets (?) and over [...] 2 the power of the strength [...]
3 their knowledge [. . .] 4 to me three [. . .]
1 tQMelchizedek (11Q13 [tiQMelch])
Col. 11 1 [. . .] your God ... [. . .] 2 [. . .] And as for what he said: Lev 25:13 «In this
year of jubilee, [you shall return, each one, to his respective property)), as is
written: Dt 15:2 «This is] 3 the manner (of effecting) the [release: every creditor
shall release what he lent [to his neighbour. He shall not coerce his neighbour
or his brother when] the release for God [has been proclaimed])). 4 [Its
interpretation for the last days refers to the captives, about whom he said: ha
61:1 «To proclaim liberty to the captives.)) And he will make 5 their rebels pris-
oners [...] and of the inheritance of Melchizedek, for [...] and they are the
inheritance of Melchi]zedek, who 6 will make them return . He will proclaim
140
LITERATURE WITH ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTENT
11Q13
liberty for them, to free them from [the debt] of all their iniquities. And this
will [happen] 7 in the first week of the jubilee which follows the ni[ne] jubilees.
And the day [of atonem]ent is the end of the tenth jubilee 8 in which atonement
will be made for all the sons of [God] and for the men of the lot of Melchize-
dek. [And on the heights] he will decla[re in their] favour according to their
lots; for g it is the time of the «year of grace» for Melchizedek, to exa[lt in the
tri]al the holy ones of God through the rule of judgment, as is written 10 about
him in the songs of David, who said: ft 82:1 «Elohim will stand up in the
assemfbly of God,] in the midst of the gods he judges». And about him he said:
Ps 7:8-9 «Above it 11 return to the heights, God will judge the peoples)). As for
what he sa[id: ft 52:2 «How long will yo]u judge unjustly and show partiality to
the wicked? Selah .» 12 Its interpretation concerns Belial and the spirits of his
lot, who were rebels [all of them] turning aside from the commandments of
God [to commit evil.] 13 But, Melchizedek will carry out the vengeance of
God’s judges [on this day, and they shall be freed from the hands] of Belial and
from the hands of all the spirits of his lot.] 14 To his aid (shall come) all «the
gods of [justice)); he] is the one [who will prevail on this day over] all the sons
of God, and he will pre[side over] this [assembly.] 13 This is the day of [peace
about which God] spoke [of old through the words of Isa]iah the prophet, who
said: Isa 52:7 «How beautiful 16 upon the mountains are the feet of the messen-
ger who announces peace, of the messfenger of good who announces salvation,]
saying to Zion: ‘your God [reigns.»] 17 Its interpretation: The mountains are
the profphets ...] 18 And the messenger is [the anojinted of the spirit about
whom Dan[iel] spoke [... and the messenger of] 19 good who announces
salv[ation is the one about whom it is written that [he will send him Isa 61:2-3 «t0
comfofrt the afflicted, to watch over the afflicted ones of Zion».] 20 «To
comfo[rt the afflicted)), its interpretation:] to instruct them in all the ages of the
worl[d...] 21 in truth. [...] 22 [...] it has been turned away from Belial and it
[...] 23 [...] in the judgments of God, as is written about him: Isa 52:7 «Saying
to Zion: ‘your God rules’)). [«Zi]on» is 24 [the congregation of all the sons of
justice, those] who establish the covenant, those who avoid walking [on the
pa]th of the people. «Your God» is 25 [... Melchizedek, who will fr]ee [them]
from the hand of Belial. And as for what he said: Lev 23:9 «You shall blow the
hor[n in every] land».
Col. ill 1 [Its interpretation ...] 2 and you know [...] 3 God [...] 4 and many [. . .]
5 [...] ... [...] Melchizedek [...] 6 the law for them [...] the hand [...] and he
will announce [...] 7 they shall devour Belial with fire [. . .] Belial, and they shall
rebel [. . .] 8 the desires of their hearts [. . .] ... [. . .] 9 the ramparts of Judah [. . .]
the ramparts of Jerusalem...] 10-20 (minute traces.)
Exegetical Literature
H2
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
The exegetical activity of the Community emerges in one way or another in all
the writings preserved. Exegesis forms the foundation of the halakhic texts.
Interpretation of particular biblical texts peppers the development of the Rules,
both in the legislative sections and in the more theological sections. As a matter
of course, the biblical text permeates all the ritual texts, and the language of the
verse compositions is so steeped in the idiom of the bible that they resemble a
patchwork quilt in which biblical sap and personal expression are woven to-
gether inextricably.
This chapter comprises a set of compositions of very different types, all of
them, though, illustrations of the exegetical efforts of the Community. The
Targum of Job and the tiny fragments of the Targum of Leviticus show us how
biblical interpretation permeates the Aramaic translation of biblical texts. The
Temple Scroll is put forward as a new Deuteronomy, as a sixth book of the To-
rah. In it, sections from various biblical books are blended with others hitherto
unknown and the whole is put forward as the actual word (in the first person)
of God.
Perhaps the most typical texts of Qumran exegesis are the pesharim , a term
used to denote compositions in which the word pesher (‘interpretation’) occurs
very often. In essence, this exegesis involves revealing the true meaning of the
biblical text, relating it to the actual circumstances of the Community in the
last days. In the pesharim, the passages from the prophets or from the psalms
quoted ealier are commented on, verse by verse. In the other compositions
included here, which could be called thematic pesharim, texts derived from vari-
ous biblical books and collected for a specific purpose, are interpreted.
Of course, a number of the compositions in the chapter ‘Para-biblical narra-
tives’, could just as well have been included in this chapter, since they narrate,
explain, expand on or alter the biblical text which sustains the life of the Com-
munity. The boundary between interpretation, the result of exegesis and mere
paraphrase of the biblical text or incorporation of duplicate traditions, is a mov-
able border where there are no certainties.
4Q156-157
THE TARGUMS
143
1 The Targums
A Targum of Leviticus
4QTargum of Leviticus (4Q156 [4QtgLev])
Frag. 1 (= Lev 16 : 12- 15) / [. . . And he shall take an incense-burner full of] coals
[of fire from the surface of the altar which is before ] 2 [yhwh and he shall fill]
his two fists with infcense (?). . .] 3 [and shall place them within] the veil. . . And
he shall place [the incense on top of the fire] 4 [before yhwh, and] the cloud
shall cover [. . .] 5 [above the testimony, and] he will not die. [. . .] And he shall
take some of the [blood of the bullock] 6 [and he shall sprinkle with his finger
ov]er the mercy-seat. And in front of the mercy-seat, towards the East, 7 [he
shall sprinkle] the blood [seven times] with his finger. . . And he shall slaughter
Frag. 2 (= Lev 16 : 18-21) 1 [... for] him... He shall take [blood from the bull-
ock and blood from the he-goat] 2 [and shall put it on] the horns of the altar,
ar[ound . . . And he shall sprinkle upon him the blood] 3 [with his finger sev]en
[times] and he shall cleanse it and make it holy [from the im]purities [of the
sons of] 4 [Israel. . .] When [he has finished aton]ing for the holy house, [for] the
tent of meeting and [for] 5 [the altar, he shall bring near] the he-goat. . . Aaron
shall lay his two [hands upon] 6 [the head of the] live [he]-goat, . . . And he shall
confess over it all [...] 7 [...al]l his sin[s...]
b Targum of Job
4QTargum of Job (4Q157 [4QtgJob])
Frag. 1 col. i (= Job 3:5-?) 2 [. . .] a cloud [should spread] over him 3 [. . . may
it not join the d]ays of the year 4-5 [ . . . ] ...
Frag. 1 col. ii (= Job 4 : 16-5 : 4) 1 ...[...] 2 Can a man before God [be just?. . .]
3 and to his angels [he ascribes madness. . .] 4 which [have their foundations] in
dust [ . . . ] 5 and without number [. . . ] they die, and not from wisdom. [. . .] 7 will
you consider? Blank Perhaps he does not kill the stupid [...] 8 But I have seen
a wicked person ...[...] g ... [...]
tiQTargum of Job (11Q10 [nQtgJob])
Col. 1 (=Job 17 : 14- 18 : 4) / [... and my mother and my sister to the mag]got.
And what is it, then, that I [. . .] 2 [. . .] Perhaps [they shall go down] with me to
Sheol? [...] 3 [...in the dust] shall [we] lie down? Blank 4 Bildad the Shu[hite
144
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q10 II — VII
answer[ed. . .] 5 [. . .] will you finish the word? [. . .] 6 [. . .] we resemble animals?
[ . . . ] 7 [ . . . ] Perhaps on your account [ . . . ] 8 [ . . . the rock ] from its position? [ . . . ]
Col. 11 ( =Job 19 : 11- 19) 1 Against me his wrath [has flared] up and he regards
[me ...] 2 His thieves arrive and flatten [... My brothers from me] 3 have re-
coiled, and those who know me [. . . the guests] 4 of my house. My maidservant,
like an alien [. . .] 5 I call my servant and he does not answer [. . .] 6 I have hum-
bled my spirit in front of my wife [...] 7 The wicked afflict me [...] 5 every man
who [...]
Col. in ( =Job 19 : 29-20 : 6) /[...] evil .Blank [...] 2 [...] Blank [...] 3 [...and he
repjlied: Behold my heart [. . .] 4 [. . .] I will hear my shame, but the spirit [. . .]
5 [. . .Do you not] know that from eternity, from [.. .] 6 [...] Because the exulta-
tion of the wicked [...] 7 [...] passes swiftly. [...] 8 [... and] his face [reaches]
the clouds [. . .]
Col. iv (=Jfob 21 : 2- 10) 1 [. . .] to me [. . .] my knowing, you mock. [. . .] 3 surely,
therefore, [my spirit] does not get imfpatient . . .] 4 place your hands over [your
mouth! . . .] 5 amazement seizes me. How is it that [the wicked. . .] 6 and increase
their riches? Their offspring [...] 7 in front of their eyes. Their houses [...]
sGod upon them. [...] 9 their pregnant (cow) gives birth [and does not abort. . .]
Col. v ( =Job 21 : 20-27) *[■■■] his eyes [.. .] their downfall and about [...] 2 [. ..]
interest for God in their house [ . . . ] [ . . . ] 3 [ . . . ] the number of his months cut
short? Is God [. . .] 4 [. . .] him, who judges those most elevated? His flanks [. . .]
5 [...] the marrow of his bones. Another dies [with bitterness] in his soul [...]
6 [. . .] without eating; together on [the dust they lie . . .] 7 [. . .] on top of them.
Behold, I know [your thoughts . ..] 8 [...] you have plotted [against] me. [...]
Col. vi (=Job 22 : 3-9) 1 [.. .] to God 2 [. . .] your path 3 [. ..] will he enter with
you? 4 [ . . . ] there is no 5 [ . . . ] your brothers for nothing 6 [ . . . ] to the thirsty not
7 [...] bread. And you said 8 [...] his face 9 [...] of emptiness.
Col. vii (=Job 22 : 16-22) 1 that they died [...] 2 They said to G[od. . .] 3 to our
God [...] 4 But the counsel of the wicked [...] 5 and they laughed and [...]
6 How is it that [. . .] not [. . .] 7 Look [...]# Receive [. . .]
Col. vii a (=Job 23 : 1-8) 1 [...] Job answered and sai[d ] 2 [...] because of my
speech which [...] 3 [...] my [groa]ning. Indeed, I would know and I would find
him 4 [...] the place of his dwelling. I would speak before [him ...] 5 [...] I
would fill my [mouth] with reproof, and I would know [. . .] 6 [. . .] and I would
understand what he would say to me. [...] 7 [... would he] act unjustly with
me? Indeed, until [...] 8 [...] for truth and how [...] 9 [...] If forwafrd...]
11Q10 VIII-XIV
THE TARGUMS
H5
Col. VIII 1= Job 24 : 12- 17) 1 From their cities [...] 2 he groans: «God in
front of him to the fire [...] 4 in its footpaths [...[5 and to the poor; and in the
night [. . .] 6 the darkness, saying [. . .] 7 and he will sin. [...]<? in evil [. . .] 9 for
them [. . .]
Col. ix (=Job 24 : 24-26 : 2) ;[...] they have folded, they draw themselves to-
gether like the cynodon 2 [...] Who, then, will give me an answer and [...]
3 [•••] Blank Bildad answered [...] 4 [...] God has dominion and magnificence;
he does [. . .] 5- [...] in his height. Is there confidence for [...] 6 or upon whom
does [.. .] not rise 7 [••■] God, and how will he be just [...] 8 [..,] pure and the
stars [...] not 9 [...] human being, this worm [...] w [...] and he said «Can you,
perhaps, [...]?
Col. x (=Job 26 : 10-27 : 4) *[...] to the edge of darkness; 2 [. . .] he sieves them
and they are alarmed about 3 [. . .] the sea, and with his understanding he killed
4 [■ ■ ■] he makes it shine; his hand pierced the fleeing serpent. 5 [. . .] their paths.
And it is only an echo that we hear. 6 [. . .] he will understand*. Blank 7 [...] Blank
£[...] and said: «May God live [. . .] 9 [. . .] to my soul, which while [. . .] 10 [. . .]
in my nostril, they shall not say [. . .]
Col. XI (=Job 27 : 11-20) 1 [...] in God’s hand and the work of 2 [...] all you
have seen it. Why 3 [...] the wicked man 4 [...] they take in front of him. If
5 [• • •] the sword, they shall open (their) mouth, but it will not be satisfied 6 [. . .]
and their widows [. . .] no 7 [. . .] coins, and increases like clay 8 [. . .] an honest
man will share out the wealth g [...] like a hut to [...] lies down and is not
seized 11 [. . .] like water the evils
Col. xii {=Job 28 : 4- 13) / foot [. . .] j sapphires [. . .] 4 not [. . .] 5 the snake enters
[...] 9 man [...]
Col. xiii ( =Job 28 : 20-28) 1 the place of wisdom? [. . .] 2 it hides from the birds
of the sky [. . .] 3 «By hearsay we know your reputation* [. . .] 4 in it, since he [. . .]
5 the ends of the earth [...1 6 When he made the wind [...] 7 by one measure.
When he made [ . . . ] 8 light clouds. Meanwhile [ . . . ] 9 And he said to the sons [of
man . . . ] 10 and to depart from [ . . . ]
Col. xiv (= Job 29 : 7 - 16) 1 in the mornings, at the gates of the city, in the
square [. . .] 2 Youths, on seeing me, hide, and wise [men. . .] 3 Great men refrain
from speaking and place the palm [. . .] 4 The leaders concealed their voice; [. . .]
stuck to the palate. 5 He who heard me, praised me; he who saw me [...,]
6 because I freed the poor man from [...] 7 whom no-one helps. The blessing
of the lost one [...] sin the widow’s mouth there was a prayer for me [...] 9 I
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EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q10 XV-XXI
wore and put on like a tunic [. . .] w [.. .] and feet for the lame [. . .] 11 [. ..] I did
not know [. . .]
Col. xv (=Job 29 : 24-30 : 4) 1 [. ..] I smiled on them, and they did not believe
[. . .] 2 [. . .] I chose my path and was a chief f. . .] 3 [. . .] at the head of his army,
and like a man who [. . .] the sad ones 4 [. . .] They made fun of my lads younger
than me [...]5 [■■ •] whose fathers [I would have disdained] to set with the dogs
of my flock [...] 6 [...] I did not like them and under their pressure [...] 7 [•■■]
with hunger they go cropping the green of the desert [...] 8 [...] evil, which
they ate [...] 9 [...] brooms as their bread [...]
Col. xvi (= Job 30 : 13-20) 1 [...] they come for my ruination, and there is no
saviour 2 [.. .] for them. In the intensity of my boil they come 3 [...] I am bent
double [beneath] the evil; it contorts me 4 [. . .] like the wind my goods and my
dignity, and like a cloud 5 [. . .] my salvation. Now it irritates me 6 [. . .] days of
agony consume me 7 [...] my bones are inflamed and my tendons [...] 8 [...]
with violence he seizes me by the garment 9 [. . .] they surround me and make
me go down to the dust 10 [...] to you [...]
Col. xvii (= Job 30 : 25-31 : 1) 1 [...they] boiled [me] and not 4 [...] I walked
5 [. . .] I shouted 6 [. . .] for the ostriches 7 [. . .] of
Col. xviii (=jfob 31 : 8- 16) ; He will eat [...] 2 my heart for a woman [...] 3 She
will grind [. . .] anger 4 and is a sin [. . .] which up to 5 Abaddon shall consume
[...] If I was impatient 6 in the judgment of my servant [...] what will I do
7 when arises [...] Behold She made me [...] oneself. If 9 1 denied [...] I ceased
to be consumed
Col. xix (=jfob 31 : 26-32) 1 it shone, and at the moon [...] my heart, 2 and my
hand kissed my mouth [...] I would have lied 3 to the God of on high [...] I
rejoiced 4 in his misfortune [...] 5 my cursed, and he heard [...] in my anger
6 and took [.. .] 7 my palate sin by asking [...] the men 8 of my house: who [.. .]
9 (did) not [...]
Col. xx (=jfob 31 : 40-32 : 3) 1 in place of wheat [...] 2 of the pine. Completed
are [...] 3 Those [...] from answering [...] ./Job was just [...]5 Blank 6 Mean-
while he grew angry [...] 7 of the clan of Rome [...] 8 and also against [...]
9 words [...]
Col. xxi (=Job 32 : 10- 17) 1 my words, I as well. Well then, I waited [...] 2 you
finished, while you sought the end of [. . .] 3 and there was not from you for Job
[. . .] 4 to his words. Perhaps you shall say [. . .] 5 for this we condemn God and
11Q10 XXII-XXVI
THE TARGUMS
147
not a man [. . .] 6 words, and he does not answer him at all [. . .] 7 and they are
silent, while I wait from them [. . .] 8 they rise and say nothing more [. . .] 9 I,
too, shall set out my words [...]
Col. xxii (=jfob 33 : 6- 16) /[...] Well then, my terror will not startle you [...]
2 [...] heavy. Surely you spoke in my hearing and the voice [...] j [...] I am
pure and there is no sin in me, I am blameless [...] 4 [...] If he finds sins, he
takes me [. . .] 5 [. . .] he places my feet in the stocks and fastens me all up [. . .]
6 [...] because God is greater than man [...] 7 [...] you will utter arrogant
words, because in all your actions [...] 8 [...] God knows how to speak in one
way or another [. . .] g [. . .] in dreams, in the depths of the night [. . .] 10 [. . .] who
is sleeping in his bed [...] 11 [...] ... [...]
Col. xxiii (= Job 33 : 24-32) / and he will say: «Free from destruction [...]
2 from the fire which smothers him [...] with 3 youth, and he returns to the
days of his youth [...] and he will listen to him 4 and will see his face when
healing him [?...] and according to the work 5 of his hands he will reward him.
And he will say [...] but 6 he has not rewarded me according to my path. He
has preserved [. . .] 7 will see in the light. Behold [. . .] S[on]ce, twice, three times
[to the] man for [...] g living (beings). Pay attention to this [...] I will speak.
10 [If] you have words [...]
Col. xxiv (= Job 34 : 6- 17) 1 of sin. Who [. . .] sin? And associates 2 with evildo-
ers [...] wicked men. For he says «A man 3 will not change [...] after God».
4 Now, men of [. . .] Far be from God deceit 5 and doing evil [. . .] of man, he
rewards him 6 [. . .] Will God, perhaps really 7 lie now, and the Lord [. . .] him,
who made the earth 8 and founded the world? [. . .] takes his breath away from
him, g and he will die [. . .] they shall lie down 10 [...] my words. In deceit, per-
haps ?
Col. xxv (=Job 34 : 24-34) '[••■] t0 the powerful without end, and put others
[...] 2 [...] he knows their deeds and hurls them into the place [...] 3 [...] his
path and have not kept to any of his ways [. . .] 4 [. . .] of the poor and listens to
the lament of the oppressed [...] 5 [...] hides his face, who will answer him
about a people [...] 6 [...] the evil man rules. They make [...] stumble 7 [...] I
hoped in him, in him alone [...]#[■■■] I did not persist, since [...] 9 [...] you
choose and not I [. . .] 10 [. . .] words, and man [. . .]
Col. xxvi (=Job 35 : 6- 14) /to you.
And when you increase your misdeeds, what do you [do to him?
If you are jus]t, what 2 do you give him,
or what does he gain from your hand?
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EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q10 XXVI-XXVIII
Your sin (affects) [a man like you],
3 your justice, a son of man.
Due to the great number [of oppressors]
they moan and shout 4 in front of many;
but they do not [sa]y: Where is] God, 5 who made us
and has given us [. . .] for our planting 6 during the night;
who has differentiated us from the ani[mals of the earth]
and has made us more intelligent than the birds?
7 They shout there, but he does not [answer
because of the arro]gance 8 of the evil men.
For God [does not listen to deceit
and the Lord to] inanity 9 pays [no] attention.
If you say [...] io[...] ...[...]
Col. xxvii (= Job 36 : 7 - 16) 1 to the kings who sit [on their thrones
and] their friends are exalted with security.
2 And even those with whom they are fettered [with chains,]
tied up by the ropes of wretched people;
3 he shows them their deeds
and their [mis]deeds, for they have elevated themselves.
He opens 4 their ears for them, so they can learn,
[and to them he sa]ys:
«If they are converted from their sins,
5 if they listen and sub[mit,
they shall end their days] in well-being,
and their years 6 in honour and delights.
[But if they do not lis]ten, they shall fall to the sword,
7 and will die without [knowledge]
[. . .] their heart in anger 8 upon them
[...] their city [perishes] because of those who destroy.
9 He will save the poor [. . .]
their ears [. . .] 10 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Col. xxviii (=Job 36 : 23-33) ' you accomplished injustice.
Remem]ber that their deeds are great,
2 men have seen them.
All men regard them
and the sons of man 3 look at them from afar.
God is great and his days are 4 a multitude
[-we do not] know [them] -,
and the number of his years infinite.
For 5 [he counts the] clouds
11Q10 XXIX-XXX
THE TARGUMS
149
and commands the squalls of rain;
and their clouds precipitate 6 [drops of water]
[upon] a numerous people.
Indeed, who unfolds 7 the clouds [with great din],
who covers and uncovers [light]
£[...] covered;
for with them he will judge the na[tions]
9 [. . .] at his command [...] 10 [...] fold over them [. . .]
Col. xxix (=jfob 37 : 10- 19) 1 over the surface of the water.
With them also he causes the clouds to gleam,
and discharges 2 fire from the cloud.
And he says: «They should hear it!»,
and they move to their tasks;
he places them to the fore of everything that he created on the surface of the
world,
whether to smite, 4 or to crush,
or for hunger and hardship,
or when there is an argument 5 over it.
Hear this, Job, and get up;
consider God’s wonders.
6 Do you know what God stations above them,
and (how) he makes the light of his cloud shine?
7 Do you know (how) to clothe his cloud with wonfders]?
Since your garment 8 [. . .]
because he has absolute knowledge.
[Perhaps with him you inflate] the storm clouds
9 [. . . like a] hard [mir]ror.
He knows [. . .]
Col. xxx (=Job 38 : 3- 13) 1 Gird up your lo[ins,] then, like a man
[and I will question [you].
Give me an answer.
2 Where were you when I made the earth?
Tell me, if you know so much,
j Who marked olf its measurements? -if you know it-
or who wielded the measuring tape?
Or 4 upon what are its foundations sunk?
Or who placed its cornerstone
when there shone 5 together the stars of the morning,
and all God’s angels cheered in chorus ?
6 Did you secure the sea with doors
15°
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
1 1Q10 XXXI-XXXII
when it battled to leave the bosom of the abyss?
7 When did you wear clouds [as vei]ls
and mists as baby clothes?
Was it you who set 8 the sea
its b[orders and law, bolts and gates?]
Did you tell it, this far only,
9 and, you shall not go beyond [...] of your waves?
In your days did you command io [...]
the edges of the earth [. . .]
Col. xxxi ( =Job 38 : 23-43) 1 which [I reserve for the] time of danger,
for the day of war and battle?
[...] 2 from where does it come?
Do you blow in front of him over the earth?
Who has imposed 3 a time for rain
and a path for the light clouds,
to make it precipitate on the land 4 of the desert,
where there are no men;
to drench thorns and thickets
5 and cause shoots of grass to grow?
Has the rain a father?
Or who 6 bore the clouds of dew?
From whose belly does frost come?
and the clo[ak of the sky,] 7 who [bore it?]
Like a stone, water is covered with it
and the face of the abyss
(?[...] of the Pleiades,
or you [open] the fence of Orion [. . .]
9 [. . .] you undo the Evening Star (?) with his sons?
[. . .] 7o[. . .] the clouds [. . .]
Col. xxxii (=Job 39 : 1 - 1 1) 1 the chamois,
or birth-pangs of [. . .]
their months are 2 concluded;
or do you know the moment of their delivery?
They give birth to their sons and cast them out.
j Do you cause their young to leave?
They rear their sons and make them leave;
they go away and do not go back 4 to them.
Who set the wild ass at liberty
and untied the bonds of the onager?
j I have given the desert as a house
11Q10 XXXII1-XXXIV
THE TARGUMS
151
and salty soil as a dwelling;
6 and he derides the bustle of the big city
and to the shouts of the muleteer pays no 7 attention.
He chooses for himself the mountains for pasture,
searching out every green patch.
8 Will the buffalo be prepared to serve you,
or will he spend the night in g your stable?
Will you harness [the buffalo with] its rope
[and will he till] in the valley 10 behind you [. . .]?
Will you trust in him [because his strength] is massive?
Col. xxxiii (=jfob 39 : 20-29) /[...]
Do you make him leap with strength
[...] 2 in his snorting, fright and fear.
He paws in the valley and canters and revels
3 and hurls himself violently, defying the sword.
He scoffs at fear and does not 4 waver
or retreat in front of the sword.
Over him the quiver is raised,
5 the tip of a spear and a whetted blade.
At the blast of the trumpet he says ‘Aha!’
and from 6 afar smells battle,
and exults at the clash of weapons and the shouts of war.
7 Is yours the skill with which the falcon flies
and stretches 8 his wings to the winds?
Or does the eagle soar at your commands
g and the vulture hang his nest high up?
In the rock he lives and nests
[...]«[...]...[...]
Col. xxxiv (= Job 40 : 5-11) 1 [...] end. Blank [...] 2 God replied to Job
/from [out of the wind (?)/] and the cloud and told him:
Gird up your loins, 3 then, like a man,
and I will question you. Give me an answer.
Do you presume even 4 to annul judgment
or condemn me, for you to leave pardoned?
Or 5 do you perhaps have an arm like God,
or thunder with a voice like his?
Abandon, then, greatness and haughtiness of spirit
and dress in splendour, in glory and in honour.
7 Remove, then, the intensity of your anger.
Look at every proud person and knock him down;
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EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
1 1Q10 XXXV-XXXVI
and every 8 haughtiness of spirit, destroy it.
And wipe out the wicked beneath them.
Bury them g in the dust. Blank
Together, cover their faces] with ash.
io [...] there is
Col. xxxv (=Job 40 : 23-31) 1 [... even though] 2 the Jordan [should overflow]
its bank,
he trusted that he will receive it [. . .]
3 Who will control him when he lifts his gaze
or who will make his muzzle bleed with a claw?
Will you fish 4 the crocodile with a hook
or will you thread his tongue with a rope?
Will you put 5 a ring in his nostril
and pierce his jaw with needle?
Will he speak 6 kindly to you,
or will he speak to you entreating you?
Will he draw up 7 an agreement with you,
or will you take him on as a perpetual slave?
Will you play 8 with him like a bird,
or tie him on a leash for your daughters?
and [. . .] g ov[er him. . .]
and they shall share him out in the land [of the Canaanites (?)]
jo [. . .] of fish [. . .]
Col. xxxvi (=Job 41 : 7-17) /[...]... [...]
2 [One] sticks to the other
and the wind does not penetrate between them.
Each one 3 clasped to its neighbour
and they are not separated.
His sneeze ignites 4 the fire between his eyes
like the glow of dawn;
from his cheeks 5 torches emerge,
they leap like tongues of fire;
from his nostrils comes a smoke cloud,
6 flaming torch and an incense burner;
his breath spews coals,
and sparks 7 leap from his cheeks.
In his neck is lodged his brawn
and in front of him 8 runs power.
The folds of his flesh are dense,
cast within him like iron;
11Q10 XXXVII-XXXVIII
THE TARGUMS
153
and his heart [ . . . ] like a stone [. . .]
Col. xxxvii (= Job 41 : 25-42 : 6) 1 [...]
2 and he is the king of all reptiles. Blank
3 Job answered and said in front of God:
I know that you 4 can do everything,
and that nothing powerful or wise
cannot be achieved by you.
5 I will speak once and I will not insist;
twice, to that 6 I will add nothing.
Listen, then, and I will speak to you;
I will question you 7 and you shall answer me.
I knew you only from hearsay,
and now my eyes 8 have seen you;
for this I will be annihilated and destroyed,
and I will turn into dust g and ash. Blank
Col. xxxviii (=Job 42 : 9- 12) 1 [...] and he did [...] 2 God;
and God heard Job’s voice
and forgave 3 his sins on his account.
And God turned /to Job/ in his mercy
4 and doubled all his possessions for him.
And there came to 5 Job all his friends and all his brothers and all his acquaint-
ances and ate 6 bread with him in his house, and comforted him for all the evil
that 7 God had brought upon him. And each one gave him a ewe 8 and each one
a gold ring, g And God blessed Job in the end, because he had [...]
154
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q19 II-V
2 The Temple Scroll
liQTemple Scroll" (11Q19 [hqT*])
Col. 11 1 [fo]r what [I sha]ll do [to you will be dreadful.] 2 [Behold, I evict before
you] the Afmorites, Canaanites,] 3 [Hittites, Girgash]ites, Perfizzites, Hivites
and] 4 [Jebusites. Bew]are of making a covenant [with the occupants of the
country] 5 amongst whom you are going to come, so that they will not be a [trap
in your midst. Instead] 6 you shall overturn their al[tars, wreck their stelae]
/ fell their [consecrated trees and burn] the effigies of their go[ds.] 8 You shall
not fancy the silver or the gold which [. . .] 9 you shall |not] take it from him;
you shall not [bring an abhorrence into your home] 10 [and become] anathema
like it; loathe [it and hate it] 11 [because] it is anathema. Do not bow down in
front of [another god, for yhwh has the name Jealous,] 12 he is a resentful
God. Avoid making [a covenant with the occupants of the land,] 13 [they
whore] after their gods and make sacrifices to [their gods, lest they entice you
] 14 [and you eat (part) of their sacrifices and] ac[cept their daughters for your
sons;] is [their daughters will whore after their gods] and wi[ll make your sons
whore after]
Col. hi / [...] which in [...] 2 [...] woven violet and purple [...] j [,..al]l your
enemies of [the vicinity . . . ] 4 [ . . . a hou]se in which to set my name a[ll] 5 [ . . . ]
in it silver and gold from a[ll countries. . .] 6 [. . .] and you shall not desecrate it,
for if from [...] 7 [... bron]ze and iron and hewn stones in order to bui[ld...]
8 [...] I made all its vessels of pure gold [. . .] 9 [... the] cover which is on top of
it, of pure gold [...] 10 [... the altar] of fragrant incense and the table [...]
11 [...] you shall not remove from the temple. Its salvers [...] 12 [...] and its
urns will be of pure gold; and its burners [.. .] 13 [. . .] with which fire is inserted
inside, and the candelabrum and all [. ..] 14 [...] Blank The whole altar for holo-
causts [.. .] 13 [. . .of] pure [bron]ze and the grille which is on top [. . .] 16 [.. .] of
bronze [.. .] in order to see [...] 17 [...] of bronfze...] ... [. . .] 18 [.. .] ... [. . .]
Col. iv 1 [...] eigfht...] 2 [... those] jutting out towards the [...] 3 [...] of the
house, fofur...] wide 4 [...] and a tiled pavement between the [...] 5 [...
be]tween the sixth; a tiled pavement [...] 6 [...] ... Blank [...] 7 the width [...]
and the height of [...] 8 [. . .cu]bits, and you shall go into the entrance hall [. . .]
9 [...] ten cubits, and the wall [...] 10 [...] and sixty cubits high [...] 11 [...]
twelve cubits and [...] 12 [...] twenty-one cubits [...] 13 [...] ... twenty cubits
square [...] 14 [...]... Blank [...] 15 [...] from its half [...] 16-17 [•••] [■■•]
Col. v 1 [...] which are connected [...] 2 [...] cubits [...] 3 [...] the thickness
nQig v-xi
THE TEMPLE SCROLL
155
three [...] 4 according to the size of [...]5 [...]. ..for twenty-eight [...]
6 . and also its ceiling [...] 7 [...] cubits the total height [...] S [...]... and
four gates [. . .] [. . .] 9 [. . .] the gate twelve [. . .] 10 [. . .] cubits and all the eaves
[. . .] 11 [... lo]wer, and all encased [. . .] 12 Blank [. . .] 13 . and made a por-
tico [...] 14 [...] in all [...]
Col. vi 1 2 [...] upon [...] 3 [...] ... twen[ty-e]ight cubits [...] 4 [...]
for[ty] cubits and the celling . . .] 5 [. . .] ten cubits the total height of the eaves,
and the wind[ows ...] 6 [...] ... doors of the loft for the four [...] /[... twe]lve
cubits, and its heigh t ele[ ven . . . ] 8 [ . . . ] its doors [ . . . ] lower and all [...] 9 [...].. .
Col. vii 1 [...] the planks [...] 2 [...] ... [...] 3 [...] the planks of wo[od...] 4 [...]
one cubit and ten [...] j [...] eighty plafnks...] 6 [...] on top of all... [...] 7 [...]
... hundred ... ... five cu[bits] in total [...] 9 [...] ... its height, and
the cover which is on top [...] 10 [...] ... its width, and two cherubim [...]
11 [...] .. on the other side, stretching out (their) wings [...] 12 [...] ... on top of
the ark; and their faces, one [...] 13 [...] Blank And you shall make a gold veil
[...] 14-15 [...]...
Col. viii /[...] ... [...] 2 [...] opposite the ark [...] 3 [...] ... seven [...] 4 [...]
Blank [. . .] 5 [...] its width, and a cubit [...] 6 [...] ... and you shall make [...]
7 [...] ... [...] 8 [...] ... two [...] 9 [...] ... on top of the two rows [...] 10 [...]
this incense over the bread as a reminder [. . .] 11 [. . .abjove the altar of incense
on removing it [...] 12 [...] the bread, you shall place frankincense on it; [...]
not 13 [. . .eter]nal for their generations. This bread willbe[...] /,*[...] they shall
come [...]
Col. ix 1 [...]... 2 [...] their ... and its flowers 3 [...] on its two sides 4 [...] and
on one side, three 5 [...] and its hilt 6-7 [...] ... #[...] three 9 [...] all the shaft
w [...] ... three u [...] and its snuffers, all of it of two talents 12 [. . .] they shall
light all the lamps and place it 13 [. . .] and the priests, sons of [. . .] shall prepare
14 [...] eternal law [for their generations.
Col. x i-j (Traces of letters at the ends of lines) £[...] the gate [...]... 9 [...].. .
above the gate 10 [...] ... [...] you shall wear a scarlet cloth n [...] and on top
of that, columns 12 [. . .] ... a cloth of red purple, and the capitals 13 [. . .] 14 and
scarl[et. . .] 13-18 (Traces of letters at the beginnings of lines)
Col. xi 1-8 (Traces of letters at the ends of lines) 9 [...]... on the sabbaths and
at the beginnings of 10 [...]... on the feast of the unleavened (bread) and on the
day when the sheaf of ears is waved 11 [...] the first-fruits for the offering of
156
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
1 1Q1Q XI-XV
wheat 12 [. . .] ... and on the feast of new oil and on the six days ;j [. . .] on the
feas]t of tents and on the assembly of 14 [. . .] ... 15-16 (Traces of letters at the
beginnings of lines)
Col. xii 1-7 (Unreadable) £[...] ... its dimensions will be 9 [...] ... on one face,
and a cubit 10 [...] ... all of it built 11 of stofnes ...] ... You shall make all
12 [...] ... 13 its hor[ns] and its cor[ners...] You shall make it 14-16 (Traces of
letters)
Col. xiii 1 so that [. ..] 2 ten cufbits . ..] 3 you shall make and the doors [...]
5 one [. . .] 6 covered [. . .] 7 to it a door like [. . .] Blank [. . .] 9 And the oblation [. . .]
10 the blood for the people [...] ... [...] 11 without blemish [...a ten]th of
12 finest flour mixed [...] /and its libation of wine of a quar[ter ...]/ 13 for
YHWH [...] ... 14 of the burnt [offering] which is for him [. . .] 15 like the morn-
ing offering] [...] ... 16 not [...] 17 The sa[bbaths] you shall offer two [...]
Col. xiv 1 [...] a [...] 2 [and an offering of finest flour mix[ed...] 3 ha]lf a hiti
[...]*[•• •] with a third of a [hin . . .] 5 [. . .] a tenth [. . .] 6 [. . .] for a lamb [. . .]
7 [fragrance] which appeases yhwh. At the beginnings . . .] 8 the months of the
year [. . .] 9 The first of the month [. . .] 10 of the year. [You shall do] no menial
work [...] 11 Only it will be offered to atone [...] 12 a ram, yearling] lambs
13 ...[...].. . 14 of half a hin [...] for libation [...] 15 tenths of finest flour for the
mixed offering [...] 16 a thi[rd of] a hin for the ram [...] 17 [...] offering [...]
18 [. . .] a [. . .] the lambs and for the he-goat [. . .]
Col. xv 1 each day [...] 2 seven yearling (lambs) and a he-go[at. . .] 3 according
to this regulation [. . For the consecration a ram for each day] /and baskets of
bread for all the ram[s of the consecration and a basket/ 4 for each [ram]. You
shall share out all the sheep and the baskets over the seven [days of the conse-
cration, one for each] 5 day, according to [their divisions. You shall offer to
yhwh the right leg,] 6 holocaust of the ram, and [the fat which covers its en-
trails,] the two 7 kidneys and the fat which is on them, [the fat which is on]
8 the loins and the [whole] tail, cut off at the coccyx, and the lobe of the liver,
9 and its offering and its libation, according to the regulation. You shall take
up a cake of unleavened bread from the] basket and a cake 10 of oiled bread and
a wafer, [and you shall place it all on top of the fat] 11 with the leg of the wave-
offering, the right leg. Those who are offering [shall wave] 12 the rams and the
baskets of bread, a wave-offering [before yhwh; it is a holocaust,] 13 fire-sacri-
fice of fragrance which appeases yhwh. [You shall burn everything on the
altar, on top of] 14 the holocaust, in order to consecrate their souls (for) the
se[ven days of the consecration.] 15 When the High Priest, [who has been con-
secrated] 16 to don the vestments in succession to his fathers, stands [in order
11Q19 XV-XVIII
THE TEMPLE SCROLL
157
to serve before yhwh,] he [will offer a bullock] 77 for all the people and another
for the priests. He will first bring near 18 what is for the priests. The elders
from among the priests shall lay [their hands]
Col. xvi /[...] ... [...] 2 [...] they shall put the blood [...] 3 [...] right and they
shall sprinkle [. . .] 4 [. . .] they shall be all his days [. . .] 5 [. . .] he will [not] defile,
for he is holy [...] 6 [,..al]tar, and he will burn the [fat of the first bullock...]
7 [all the fat] which there is upon the entrails and the [lobe of the liver and the
two] 8 [ki]dneys and the fat there is upon them, and the [fat which is upon]
9 the loins and its offering and its liba[tion according to the regulation.] 10 It is
a holocaust, a fire-sacrifice of fragrance which appeases [yhwh.] u They shall
burn [the flesh of the bullock] and its hide, with its offal, outside [the city]
12 in a place set aside for the sin-offerings. There they shall bu[rn] it [from head
to feet] 13 with all its entrails; they shall burn everything there, except its fat.
It is a sin-offe[ring.] 14 He will take a second bullock, the one which is for the
people, and with it atone [for all the peoplej 15 of the assembly with its blood
and w ith its fat; as he did with the first bullock, [so will he do] 16 with the bull-
ock of the assembly. With his fingers he will smear with blood the horns of the
[altar] 77 and he will sprinkle [all] its blood over the four corners of the rim of
the altar 18 and he will burn in the altar [its fat] its offering and its libation. It
is a sin-offering for the assembly.
Col. xvii 7 [...] the priests, and they shall place [...] 2 [...] they shall rejoice
because atonement has been made for them [...] j [.. .] and this day will be for
them [...] 4 [...] in all their villages and they will rejoice [. . .] 5- [...] Blank [...]
6 The fourteenth day of the first month, [at twilight,] 7 [they will celebrate the
Passover of yhwh;] they will perform sacrifice prior to the evening offering
and they will sacrifice [...]£ Those twenty years old and over shall celebrate it,
and they shall consume it at night 9 in the courtyards of the sanctuary. Then
they shall stand up and each one will go to [his tent.] w Blank The fifteenth day
of this month there w ill be a ho[ly] assembly. In it you shall do no menial work.
It is the feast of leaven, over seven days, 72 for yhwh. Throughout these seven
days you shall offer, each day, 13 a holocaust to yhwh: two young bulls, a ram,
seven yearling lambs 14 without blemish and a he-goat for the sin-offering,
together with its offerings and libations, 75 according to the regulation for
young bulls, rams, lambs and the goat. The seventh day 16 [there will be a sol-
emn assembly] for yhwh. On it you shall do no menial work.
Col. xvin 7 [. . .] ... [. . .] 2 [. . .] for this ram [. . .] 3 this day and [. . .] 4 [a he-]goat
for sin-offering [. . .] 5 [its offering and its libation] according to the regulation:
a tenth of finest flour 6 [and] wine for the libation: a quarter of a hin. 7 [It will
atone] for all the sins of the people of the assembly 8 [and they will be forgiven
158
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q19 XVIIII-XX
them. For all their generations] this will be an eternal regulation for them 9 [in
all their villages.] Afterwards, they shall offer the single ram, only once, 10 [. . .]
the of day the sheaf- waving. Blank You shall count off 11 seven complete sab-
baths from the day on which you fetch the sheaf 12 [from the wave-offering,]
you shall count off until the day following the seventh sabbath, you shall count
off 13 [fifty] days, and you shall fetch a new offering to yhwh from your vil-
lages: 14 new leavened [bread] of finest flour, first-fruits for yhwh, wheaten
bread, 75 tweflve cakes;] each cake will be of [two] tenths of finest flour.
16 [The heads of] the clans of the tribes of Israel [will carry them] and offer
Col. xix 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [...] the holocaust [...] 3 [...] twelve [...] 4 [...] their
offerings and [their liba]tions according to the regulation and they shall lift [. . .]
5 [. . .] from the first-fruits, [they shall be for] the priests and they shall eat them
in the 6 [inner courtyard, new offering, bread of the first-fruits. And after-
wards [. ..] 7 [. . .] a fresh loaf of tendrils of barley and corncobs. [This day] will
be 8 [ete]rnal [precept] for their generations. They shall [do] no menial work.
9 It is [the feast] of weeks and the feast of the first-fruits for eternal memorial.
70 Blank 11 From the day on which you carried to yhwh the new offering, 12 the
bread of the first-fruits, you shall count off seven weeks, seven full weeks;
13 you shall count off fifty days until the day following the seventh sabbath,
14 and [you shall carry] new wine for the libation: four hin for all the tribes of
Israel, 75 [...] a th[ird] of a hin for each tribe. That day 16 all the heads of a
thousand of Israel shall offer [to yhwh with the wine twelve rams]
Col. xx 7 [. . .] and the libation and they shall offer [. . .] 2 [. . .] fourteen yearling
[lambs] [...] 3 [...] the holocaust; they shall make them [...] 4 [and their fat]
they shall burn upon the altar [...] 5 [the fat surrounding the entrails] and all
the fat there is upon the entrfails,] 6 [ and the lobe of the liver] over the kid-
neys, will be removed together with the fat [which is on top of them] 7 [and
that which there is over the loins and] the tail, cut at the coccyx. And they shall
bu[rn] 8 [everything upon the altar,] with their offerings and libations. It is a
fire-sacrifice of fragrance which appeases 9 [yhwh.] They shall offer every
offering with which a libation is offered according to [the prescription.] 10 [And
from all] the offering with which incense is offered or if it is a dry offering,
they shall collect 11 [the part of the mem]orial, and they shall burn it on the
altar; the remains of it they shall eat in the 12 [inner] courtyard. The priest will
eat it with unleavened bread. They shall eat no yeast. They shall eat it on this
day 13 [and upon it] the sun [shall not set.] And on all your offerings you shall
put salt and the salt shall not cease 14 [upon them.] Blank They shall pick out for
yhwh as (a) levy 75 [from] the ram and from the lambs the right leg, the breast,
the 7 6 [jawbones, the stomach] and the shoulder blade up to the bone of the
upper foreleg. They shall wave them: a wave-offering
11Q19 XXI — XXIII
THE TEMPLE SCROLL
159
Col. xxi 1 [. . .] a ram and a lamb; and for each 2 clan [. . .] one for all the clfans
of the t we | Ive tribes 3 of Israel. And they shall eat [...] before yhwh, 4 the
priests shall drink there first and the levfites 5 [. . .] first the chiefs of battalion
[. . .] 6 [. . .] and after them all the people, from the oldest to the smallest, 7 shall
go and drink new wine. [They shall not] eat any grape, sour fruit of the vine,
[until] 8 [on] this day they atone for the new wine. The children of Israel shall
rejoice in yhwh’s presence, 9 Eternal [law] for their generations in all their
villages. They shall rejoice on [this day] w [at going] to pour out a libation of
juice, a new wine, over the altar of yhwh, year by year, u Blank 12 From this
day you shall count off seven times seven weeks. 13 There will be forty-nine
days from the seven full weeks up to the day after 14 the seventh sabbath. You
shall count off fifty days and you shall offer new oil from the villages 15 [of the
clans of the sons of Is]rael: each one of the clans: half a hirr, refined new oil,
16 [. . .] virgin oil, over the altar, holocaust of the first-fruits before yhwh.
Col. xxii ;[...] they shall burn this oil in the lamps [...] 2 the heads of thousand
with the pri[nces...] 3 [...] fourteen [yearling lambs] and their offerings and
libations [. . .] 4 [. . .] the sons of Levi shall slaughter [. . .] 5 The priests, sons of
Aaron, [shall] sprinkle with its blood [the altar on all its sides] 6 [...] and they
shall burn its fat over the altar of holofcausts] 7 [and their offerings] and liba-
tions they shall burn over the fat [... fire-sacrifice of fragrance] 8 which ap-
peases yhwh. Blank They shall take some [...] 9 the right leg and the breasts of
the wave-offering; and as the choicest part [.. .] 10 and for the priests the jaw-
bones and the stomach, it shall be his share in accordance with the prescription
[...] 11 the upper foreleg. Then they shall take it out to the children of Israel.
And the children of Israel shall give the priests 12 a ram and a lamb; to the
levites a ram and a lamb and to each 13 clan a ram and a lamb. And they shall
eat it throughout this day in the outer courtyard 14 in front of yhwh. Eternal
precepts for their generations, year after year. Afterwards 15 they shall eat and
they shall anoint themselves with the new oil and with the olives, because on
this day they shall atone 16 [for all the] virgin [o]il of the land in front of yhwh,
once a year. And they shall rejoice
Col. xxiii 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] which [...] 3 [...] holocaust for yh[wh] *[...] two
he-goats [. . .] 5- and his offering and libation according to [the prescription . . .]
6 [. . .] a bullock, a ram, a la[mb. . .] 7 [. . .] each one of the tribes of the twelve
sons of Jacob [. . .] 8 [. . .] over the altar after the perfpetual] holocaust [. . .] 9 [. . .]
. . . The High Priest will offer the [holocaust of the levites] to first, and after it,
he will burn the holocaust of the tribe of Judah. [When he is about] 11 to burn
it, he shall first slaughter the he-goat in front of it; he shall take 12 its blood to
the altar in a sprinkling bowl, and he will anoint with blood, with his fingers,
the four horns of the altar 13 of holocaust and the four corners of the rim of the
i6o
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
1 1Q19 XXI1I-XXVI
altar; he shall pour out its blood over the base 14 of the rim of the altar on every
side and shall burn its fat in the altar; the fat which covers 13 the intestines and
what is over the entrails. The lobe of the liver with the kidneys 16 he shall re-
move and the fat which is over them and which is over the loins; and he will
burn 1/ everything upon the altar with its offering and its libation. It is a fire-
sacrifice, of fragrance which appeases yhwh.
Col. xxiv 1 [. . .] the head [. . .] 2 [. . .] and it [ ] j [ ] the breast with [. . .] 4 [. . .]
the paws, and they shall [burn...] 5 [... offering of its oil and libation of [its
wine...] 6 [...] the flesh for fragrance [...] 7 [... for each] bullock and for each
ram and for [. . .] 8 and its cuts will be separated and its offering and its libation
on top of it. [Eternal] precepts 9 for your generations before YHWH. Blank 10 In
continuation of this holocaust he will offer the holocaust of the only tribe of
Judah. In the same way that 11 he offered the holocaust of the levites, so will
he do with the holocaust of the sons of Judah after the levites. 12 Blank On the
second day he will offer first the holocaust of Benjamin, and after it 13 he will
offer the holocaust of the sons of Joseph together with Ephraim and Manasseh.
On the third day he will offer 14 the holocaust of Reuben, only, and the holo-
caust of Simeon, only. On the fourth day 15 he will offer the holocaust of Issa-
char only, and the holocaust of Zebulon, only. On the fifth day 16 he will offer
the holocaust of Gad, only, and the holocaust of Asher, only. On the sixth day
Col. xxv 1 [...] he will offer [...] 2 [...] Blank 3 [For you the first day of the
month will be] a great sabbath, a memorial of the blast of trumpets, a [holy]
assem[bly], 4 [You shall make a holocaust of fire of fragrance which appeases]
yhwh, and you shall off[er a bullock,] 5 a ram, seven [perfect] yearling [la]mbs]
and a he 6 [-goat for the sin-offering, and] their offerings and libations accord-
ing to the prece[pt,] 7 [as well as] the perpetual [holocaust and the monthly
[holo]caust. Afterwards [you shall offer] 8 this [holocaust ] in the third part of
the day. Eternal precepts for your generations [in all your villages.] 9 You shall
rejoice on this day. On it you shall do no menial work. This day 10 will be for
you a great sabbath. Blank The tenth of this month 11 is the day of the atone-
ment. On it you shall afflict your souls, because anyone who does not 12 do
penance on this same day will be expelled from his people. On it you shall offer
a holocaust 13 for yhwh: a bullock, a ram, seven yearling lambs {. . .} and a he-
14 goat for the sin-offering. Besides the sin-offering of the day of atonement
and its offerings and libations 13 according to the prescription for the bullock,
the ram, the lambs, the he-goat and the sin-offering of the day of atonement,
you shall offer 16 two rams for the holocaust. One the High Priest will offer for
himself and for the house of his father.
Col. xxvi
1-2 [...] ... [...] 3 [...] The High Priest [will cast lots] 4 [concerning
11Q19 XXVI-XXIX
THE TEMPLE SCROLL
161
the two he-goats:] one will fall by lot [to yhwh, the other to Azazel;] 5 [and] he
will slaughter the he-goat which [has fallen by lot to yhwh and will take] 6 its
blood in the golden sprinkling bowl which he has in his hand and will treat [its
blood as he treated the blood] 7 of the bullock which was for himself, and with
it he will atone for all the people of the assembly. Its fat and the offering of
8 its libation he will burn on the altar of holocausts; but its flesh, its hide and
its entrails 9 they shall burn together with his bullock. It is the sin-offering for
the assembly 10 and they shall be forgiven. He will wash his hands and his feet
from the blood of the sin-offering and will go to the u live he-goat and will
confess over its head all the sins of the children of Israel with all their guilt
together with all their sins; he shall place them upon the head of the he-goat
and will send it 13 to Azazel, to the desert, from the hand of man indicated.
And the he-goat w ill take with itself all the sins
Col. xxvii 1 [...]...[...] 2 for /all/ the children of Israel, and they shall be for-
given [...] 3 Afterwards he will offer the bullock, the ram and [the lambs ac-
cording to the] ordinance, 4 upon the altar of holocaust, and the holocaust for
the children of Israel will be accepted. Eternal precepts 5 for their generations.
Once a year this day will function as a memorial for them, 6 and on it they shall
do no menial work, because it is a great Sabbath. Every man 7 who does any
menial work on it, or does not do penance will be cut off from the midst 8 of
your people. It is a great Sabbath. You shall hold a holy assembly on this day
9 and you will sanctify it as a memorial in all your villages and you shall do no
jo menial work. Blank The fifteenth day of this month
Col. xxvin j [...] ... [...] 2 the altar. It is a fire-sacrifice, [fragrance which ap-
peases yhwh. Blank On the] 3 second [day:] twelve bullocks, [two rams, four-
teen lambs] 4 and a he-goat [for the sin-offering, and their offerings and liba-
tions] 5 according to the ordinance for the bullocks, the rams, the lambs and the
he-goat. It is a fire-sacrifice, 6 fragrance which appeases yhwh. Blank On the
third day, 7 eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs 8 and a he-goat, for the
sin-offering and their offerings and libations according to the ordinance for the
bullocks 9 the rams, the lambs and the he-goat. Blank On the fourth day, 10 ten
bullocks, two rams, fourteen sheep and a he-goat for the sin-offering, and its
offerings and libations for the bullocks
Col. xxix 1 and its libations [. . .] 2 These are [. . .] 3 for your holocausts and your
libations [...]. In the house 4 above which I shall make my name reside [they
shall offer] the holocausts, [each day what corresponds to] that day according
to the ruling of this precept, 5 continually, from the children of Israel, besides
their freewill offerings. All that they offer me, 6 all their libations and all the
presents which they bring me for acceptance, 7 1 shall accept them. They shall
162
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
1 lQig XXIX-XXXIII
be for me a people and I will be for them for ever and I shall establish them
8 for ever and always. I shall sanctify my temple with my glory, for I shall make
my glory reside 9 over it until the day of creation, when I shall create my tem-
ple, establishing it for myself for ever, in accordance with the covenant which
I made with Jacob at Bethel.
Col. xxx 1 [...] and I will sanctify [...] 2 3 [...] to make, and you
shall [make. . .] 4 [. . .] for the stairways [. . .] in the house which you shall build
[. . .] 5 [. . .] ... [. . .you shall] make a spiral staircase to the North of the Sanctu-
ary: a square building 6 of twenty cubits from corner to corner, its four corners
matching, located 7 seven cubits away from the wall of the Sanctuary, North-
east of it. Its wall you shall make four cubits in width #[...] like the Sanctuary;
its interior will be twelve cubits from corner to corner, 9 It will have a square
pillar within it, in the centre, of four cubits 10 in width on each side [...]
around which the steps will go up.
Col. xxxi 1 [...]... 2 [...] the gate 3 [...]... 4 [.. .] the second priest 5
... 6 In the loft of this builfding you shall make a do]or opening to the roof of
the Sanctuary and a passageway made 7 in this door to the opening [of the roof
of the] Sanctuary, by which one can enter the loft of the Sanctuary. 8 You shall
cover all this building of the spiral staircase with gold: its walls, its gates, its
roof both inside 9 and out, its pillar and its steps, and you shall do everything
according to what I have told you. 10 You shall make a square building for the
laver, to the South-east; all its sides will be twenty-one 11 cubits, at fifty cubits
distance from the altar; the width of the wall will be three cubits and the height
12 twenty cubits [...] You shall make gates for it to the East, North 13 and
West; the width of the gates w ill be four cubits and their height seven.
Col. xxxii /[•••] three cubits [.. .] 2-5 [.. .] ... [...] 6 [.. .] their faults to atone for
the people and when they go up 7 [...].. . and in order to burn 8 the holofcaust]
7 upon the altar 8 [. . .] the wall g of this building [. . .] and in the centre of them
[...] of a cubit in width and its height 10 from the ground will be four cubits,
covered over in gold, on which they shall place n their clothes with which they
will go up on top of the house of [...] 12 when they enter to minister in the
Holy. You shall make a channel all round the laver within the building. The
channel 13 runs [from the building] of the laver to a shaft, goes down and disap-
pears in the middle of the earth so that 14 the water flows and runs through it
and is lost in the middle of the earth and no- 13 one should touch it because it
is mixed with the blood of the holocaust.
Col. xxxiii ;[...] they shall enter [. . .] 2 and at the moment when [...] 3 [. . .] ...
and [...] 4 [. ..] above them and they shall deposit [. . [...] ... the laver build-
1 IQ 19 XXXIII-XXXV
THE TEMPLE SCROLL
163
ing and [ . . .] 6 [those who en]ter them and those who go out from them to [. . .]
7 they shall sanctify my people with the sacred vestments which [. . .] 8 Blank To
the East of the laver building you shall make a building with the same measure-
ments as the lafver] building. 9 The distance between its walls will be seven
cubits and its constructions and its ceilings will be like those of the laver build-
ing. 10 It will have two gates: to the North and to the South, one facing the
other, with the same measurements as the gates of the 1 1 laver building. In this
whole building, in all its walls on the inside there will be blocked windows;
12 their width will be two cubits by two and their height four cubits, 13 with
doors, niches for the paraphernalia of the altar, for the ewers, the jars, the
tongs, 14 the little silver vessels in which they place the innards and 13 paws
upon the altar. Blank When they finish burning
Col. xxxiv 1 [...] in a bron[ze] plate [...] 2 [...] and between column and
colfumn. . .] 3 [. . .] which there is between the columns ... between
the whe[els.. .]5 [...] ... and they shall close the wheels [...] 6 [.. .and they shall
tie] the heads of the bullocks to the rings. 7 Afterwards they shall slaughter
them and collect [the blood] in basins 8 and pour it over the base of the altar on
all sides. Blank And they shall open 9 the wheels and tear off the hides of the
bullocks from their flesh and they shall chop it 10 into pieces and they shall salt
the pieces with salt. They shall wash 11 the innards and paws, they shall salt
them with salt and they shall burn them in 12 the fire which there is on the
altar: bullock by bullock and its pieces with it and its offering of finest flour on
top of it, ij and the wine of its libation with it. The priests, sons of Aaron,
shall burn everything 14 upon the altar. It is a fire-sacrifice of fragrance which
appeases yhwh. Blank is You shall make chains which go down from the ceiling
of the twelve columns
Col. xxxv 1 [. . .the Ho]ly of Hoflies. . .] 2 [. . .] every man who is not [. . .] j [. . .]
every man who is not [. . .] holy 4 [. . .] ... and every [. . .] who is s not a priest
will be put to death and every one who [. . ,pri]est who enters 6 [. . .] ... without
putting on the [sacred vestments with which] he was 7 consecrated, these, too,
shall be put to death. They shall not proffane the Tem]ple of his God, incur-
ring 8 a sin punishable by death. They shall sanctify what surrounds the altar,
the sanctuary, the laver 9 and the porch. It is sacred for ever and always. Blank
10 To the West of the Sanctuary you shall build a circular place, a porch with
columns. The columns 11 for the sin-offering and for the sacrifice for faults,
separated from one another, for the sin-offering of the priests and for the he-
goats, 12 for the sin-offerings of the people and for the sacrifices for faults. No-
one shall proceed from one to the other, 13 for their sites will be separated from
one another, so that 14 the priests do not sin unintentionally with any of the
sin-offering of the people or with the sacrifices for faults, incurring 13 an ac-
countable sin. Blank He will offer the birds upon the altar, the turtle-doves
164
EXEGET1CAL LITERATURE 1 IQ19 XXXVI-XXXVIII
Col. xxxvi 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [...] the gates and [...] cubits [...] j [...] from the
corner [. . .] 4 [up to the angjle of the gate, [one hundred and twenty cubits;] the
width of the gate will be forty 5 [cubits]. Each one of the sides [will have these
measurements.] The thick[ness of the wa]ll will be seven cubits, 6 [and its
heigh]t forty-five cubits, up to the ceiling of the roof. [The width of the rooms
will be] 7 twenty-six cubits from corner to corner. Gates for entry 8 and exit:
width of the gate: fourteen cubits; its height, g twenty-eight cubits from the
threshold to the lintel. Height 10 of the ceiling right from the lintel: fourteen
cubits. The beam of the ceiling will be of 11 cedar overlaid with pure gold; and
its gates will be covered with quality gold. 12 Blank From the angle of the gate
up to the second corner of the courtyard there will be 13 one hundred and
twenty cubits. Thus shall be the measurements of all these gates which give
14 onto the inner courtyard. The gates shall open inwards, towards the inside
of the courtyard
Col. xxxvii 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [...] new from the gardens, for all the [...] j [...]
between... [...] 4 [...] inside of the edge of the altar which [. ..]j the peace-
sacrifices of the children of Israel . . . and to [ . . . ] 6 [ . . . ] the corners of the inner
porch made. ..[...] 7 and kitfchens] joined to [. . .of the] gates, on the two sides
of the gate. 8 In the [inner] courtyard you shall make rooms for the priests, and
tables 9 in front of the rooms; in the inner courtyard, joined to the wall of the
outer courtyard, 10 places made for the priests, for their sacrifices and for the
first-fruits and the tithes, ; 1 and for their peace-sacrifices which they will offer.
There shall be no mingling of the peace 1 2 sacrifices of the children of Israel
with the sacrifices of the priests. 13 In the four corners of the courtyard you
shall make for them a place for the cauldrons 14 where they shall cook their
sacrifices and the sin-offerings
Col. xxxviii 1 [...] they shall eat [...] 2 [...]...[...] 3 [...] they shall eat and
drink [. . .] 4 and they shall eat [. . .] the grain, the wine and the oil [.. J5 [...] the
children of Israel and on the day of the first-fruits [. . .] 6 they shall eat together
in the Western gate [. . .] 7 [. . .] the grapes and pomegranates [. . .] all the wood
which enters [...]§[...] the offering of the oblations over which there is incense
[. . .] the offering for jealousy. 9 And on the right of this gate [ ■-■] 10 ... there
they shall eat the products ... [...] u Blank 12 You shall make a second court-
yard surrounding the inner courtyard, one hundred cubits in width 13 and four
hundred and eighty cubits in length on the East side. The same will be the
width and length of all 14 its sides, on the South, West and North. The width
of the wall will be four cubits and its height 15 twenty-eight cubits. There will
be rooms made in the walls on the outside and between one room and another
there will be three
1 IQ 19 XXXIX-XLI
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165
Col. xxxix /[...]...[...] 2 ... the ceiling of the roof [...] 3 ... [. . .] and its doors
covered with gold 4 ... [...] this courtyard [...] 5 ...[...] the fourth generation.
A son of 6 Israel [. . .] in order to prostrate herself in front of all the assembly
of the sons of 7 Israel ... [. . .] No woman shall enter it nor any boy until the day
Son which [. . .] by himself to yhwh give half a shekel, eternal law g for memo-
rial in their villages. The shekel will be of twenty geras. 10 When [. . .] for me;
afterwards shall come those of u twenty [years and over. . .] The na[mes of the]
gates of this courtyard will correspond to the namfes] 12 of the children of
Israel: Simeon, Levi and Judah to the East; Reuben, Joseph and Benjamin to
the South; 13 Issachar, Zebulon and Gad to the West; Dan, Naphtali and Asher
to the North. Between one gate and another 14 the measurement is from the
North-east corner up to the gate of Simeon ninety-nine cubits; the gate,
is twenty-eight cubits; from this gate {of Simeon} up to the gate of Levi,
ninety-nine 16 cubits; the gate, twenty-eight cubits; from the gate of Levi up
to the gate of Judah,
Col. XL 1 [...] to wear the gar[ments. . .] 2 [...] in order to serve [...] 3 [...] the
children of Israel and they shall not [die. . .] 4 [. . .] this court[vard] ... [...J^ [...]
You shall make a third courtyard [. . .] 6 [. . . ] to their daughters and to foreign-
ers, who were bo[rn...] 7 [... the wid]th around the central courtyard will be
six[ hundred cubits (?)] 8 by a length of about one thousand six [hundred] cu-
bits from one corner to the other, on each side, according to these measure-
ments. q To the East, to the South, to the West and to the North the thickness
of the wall will be seven cubits and its height 10 forty-nine cubits; and it will
have recesses, made between the gates, on the outside, at the base of the foun-
dation 11 up to its cornice. In the wall there will be three gates to the East, three
to the South, three 12 to the West and three to the North. The width of the
gates will be fifty cubits and their height seventy 13 cubits. The [measurement]
between gate and gate will be three hundred and sixty cubits. From the corner
up to 14 the gate of Simeon there will be three hundred and sixty cubits; from
the gate of Simeon up to the gate of Levi, 13 the same measurement; from the
gate of Levi up to the gate of Judah, the same measurement; three [hundred]
and sixty
Col. xli 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [...From the corner] 3 up to the ga[te of Issachar, is
three hundred and sixty] cubits; 5 from the gate of Zabfulon up the gate of
Gad,] three hundred and sixty 6 cubits; from the [gate of Gad up to the North
corner,] three hundred and 7 sixty cubits. Blank From this corner up to 8 the
gate of Dan, three hundred and sixty cubits, and the same from the gate of
Dan up to 9 the gate of Naphtali, three hundred and sixty cubits. From the
gate of Naphtali 10 up to the gate of Asher, three hundred and sixty cubits;
from the gate of n Asher up to the Eastern corner, three hundred and sixty
i66
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q19 XLI-XLIII
cubits. 1 2 The gates shall protrude from the wall of the courtyard outwards
seven cubits 13 and will penetrate inwards out of the wall of the courtyard
thirty-six cubits. 14 The width of openings of gateways will be fourteen cubits
and their height 15 twenty-eight cubits up to the lintel. The rafters will be
16 formed of cedar and covered in gold. Their doors will be overlaid 77 with
pure gold. On the inside, between one gate and another, you shall make store-
rooms
Col. xlii 1 [Its length will be] twenty cubits. The wall will be two cubits thick;
2 [its height will be fourteen cubits] up to the beams, and its opening 3 three
cubits wide. [So shall you do] with all the store-rooms, their rooms 4 and their
por[ches. . . The wijdth will be ten cubits. Between one gate 5 and another [you
shall make eighteen storerooms and their 6 eighteen rooms. Blank 7 You shall
make a stairwell to the side of the walls of the gates in the middle of the 8 porch
(with steps) which spiral upwards within the second and third porch 9 and the
roof. The store-rooms and their rooms and their porches will be constructed
like those below. 10 The second and third floors will be of the same measure-
ments as those below. Above the third roof 11 you shall make columns, fur-
nished with beams from column to column, 7 2 a place for the huts, eight cubits
in height. 13 Year after year, on the festival of the huts, they shall make huts
there for the elders 14 of the congregation, for the princes, for the heads of
families, for the children of Israel, 75 for the chiefs of a thousand and the chiefs
of a hundred, who shall go up 16 and live there until the holocaust of the festi-
val is offered which [corresponds] ; 7 to the festival of huts, year after year.
Between one gate and another there will be
Col. xliii 7 [. . .] ... [. . .] 2 [. . .] on the sabbaths and on the days [. . .] 3 [. . .] and
on the days of the first-fruits of grain, of mu[st and of oil] 4 [and on the feast
of the offering of] wood. It will be eaten on these days and will not remain
5 [from one year] for the next. They shall eat it in this way: 6 the grain they
shall eat from the feast of the first-fruits of the grain of wheat 7 up to the fol-
lowing year, up to the day of the festival of first-fruits; the wine, from the day
8 of the feast of new wine up to the day of the feast of new wine of the follow-
ing year; 9 and the oil, from the day of its feast up to the following year, 70 up
to the feast of the day of the offering of new oil on the altar. Everything which
is surplus from their feasts will be holy, it will be burned on the fire, it shall not
be eaten 12 because it is holy. Those who live at a distance of three days from
the temple 13 shall carry all that they can carry; if they are unable 14 to convey
it they shall sell it for money and shall bring the money and with it they shall
buy grain, 75 wine, oil, cattle and sheep, and they shall eat it during the days of
the festivals. They 16 shall not eat this on work-days for their own sustenance
because it is holy; 77 it will be eaten on the holy days and will not be eaten on
the work-days.
11Q1Q XLIV-XLV)
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Col. XLIV 7 [...] the inhabitants [...] 2 [...] which there is within the city, up to
the Ea[st ...] j [. . .] You shall share out the [. . . From the gate of] 4 [Simeon] up
to the gate of Judah, they shall be for the priest[s] 5 all the right side of the gate
of Levi and its left side you shall allot to the sons of Aaron, your brother: 6 one
hundred and eight stores and their rooms and their huts 7 which are on top of
the roof. To the sons of Judah, from the gate of Judah up to 8 the corner: fifty-
four stores and their rooms and the hut 9 which there is above them. To the
sons of Simeon, from the gate of Simeon up to the 10 second corner: its store-
rooms, its rooms and its huts. To the sons of Reuben, 1 1 from the corner which
is next to the sons of Judah up to the gate of Reuben: 12 fifty-two store-rooms,
their rooms and their huts. From the gate of 13 Reuben up to the gate of Jo-
seph, to the sons of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh. 14 From the gate of
Joseph up to the gate of Benjamin, to the sons of Kohath, from the Levites.
75 From the gate of Benjamin up to the western corner to the sons of Benja-
min. From this corner 16 up to the gate of Issachar, to the sons of Issachar.
From the gate
Col. xlv 1 [...]...[...] 2 seventy [. . .] 3 When [...] the second shall enter to the
left [. . .] 4 the first shall go out on the right and one shall not intermingle with
the other, nor with their utenfsils. . .] 5 the priestly course in its place, and they
shall camp. He who goes in and he who goes out on the eighth day shall purify
the 6 store-rooms, one after another, [at] the moment when the first goes out;
and there shall be no 7 mingling there. Blank Anyone who has had a nocturnal
emission shall not enter 8 the temple at all until three days have passed. He
shall wash his clothes and shall bathe 9 on the first day and on the third day he
shall wash his clothes /and bathe/ at sunset. Afterwards 10 he shall enter the
temple. But they shall not enter my temple which their soiled impurity to defile
it. 77 Anyone who lies with his wife and has an ejaculation, for three days shall
not enter 12 anywhere in the city of the temple in which I shall install my name.
Blank No blind person 13 shall enter it throughout his whole life; he shall not
defile the city in the centre of which I dwell 14 because I, yhwh, dwell in the
midst of the children of Israel for ever and always. 75 Everyone who purifies
himself from his gonorrhoea shall count off seven days up to his purification.
On day 16 seven he shall wash his clothes and immerse his body completely in
running water. Afterwards he shall enter the city 1 7 of the temple. Anyone who
is impure through contact with a corpse shall not enter it until he purifies him-
self. Every leper 18 and infected person shall not enter it until he purifies him-
self; when he purifies himself and offers the
Col. xlvi 7 [...] ... [...] There shall not fly [any] 2 unclean bird over my
tem[ple. . .] . . . the roofs and the gates [which lead] 3 to the outer courtyard, and
every [...] to be in the middle of my temple for ev[er] 4 and for all the centu-
i68
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q19 XLVI — XLVIII
ries, for [I dwell] among them. 5 Blank You shall make a platform around the
outer courtyard, on the outside, 6 fourteen cubits in width, corresponding to
the openings of all the gates; 7 and for it you shall make twelve steps so that the
children of Israel can climb up them 8 in order to enter my temple. Blank 9 You
shall make a trench around the temple, one hundred cubits in width, which
10 separates the Holy temple from the city so that they do not suddenly enter
u my temple and defile it. They shall make my temple holy and respect it,
12 for I dwell among them. Blank 13 You shall make latrines for them outside the
city, where they are obliged to go, 1 4 outside, to the North-east of the city:
houses with beams and wells within them 15 into which excrement shall drop;
they shall /not/ be visible from a total distance 16 from the city of three thou-
sand cubits. Blank You shall make 1 7 three zones, to the East of the city, sepa-
rate from each other, where 18 lepers, those who suffer gonorrhoea and men
who have an emission of semen.
Col. xlvii / [. . .] ... [. . .] 2 up[wards] and not downwards [. . .] 3 your cities will
be pure and [. . .] for ever. The city 4 which I will sanctify, installing my name
and my temple [within it] shall be holy and shall be clean 5 from all types of
impurity which could defile it. Everything that there is in it shall be 6 pure and
everything that goes into it shall be pure: wine, oil, all food 7 and all drink shall
be pure. All the hides of pure animal which they sacrifice 8 in their cities they
shall not bring into it. In their cities they shall make 9 with these (hides) uten-
sils for all their needs, but they shall not bring them into the city of my temple.
10 Their purity shall be like that of their flesh. You shall not defile the city
11 within which I shall install my name and my temple. With the skins (of the
animals) which they sacrifice 12 in the temple, with these very same they shall
bring into the city of my temple their wine, their oil and all 13 their food. They
shall not defile my temple with the skins of the sacrifices 14 of their abomina-
tions which they sacrifice in their land. You shall not purify any city 75 among
your cities like my city. In accordance with the purity of their flesh, so shall the
skins be pure. 76 What you sacrifice in my temple is pure for my temple; what
you sacrifice in your cities is pure 1 7 for your cities. All the victuals of the tem-
ple you shall bring in the skins of the temple and you shall not defile 18 my
temple and my city with the skins of your abominations, because I reside
within it.
Col. xlviii 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [...] Blank [...] 3 [Of your] winged [insects] you can
eat: the locust and its species, the bald locust and its species, the cricket 4 and
its species, the grasshopper and its species. These you can eat from among
winged insects: those which crawl on four paws, which 5 have the hind legs
wider than the forelegs in order to leap over the ground with them and to fly
with their wings. 6 You cannot eat any carcass of bird or beast; sell it to for-
11Q19 XLVIII-L
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169
eigners, but do not eat anything 7 repulsive because you are a holy people for
yhwh your God. Blank You are sons 8 for yhwh your God. You shall not gash
yourselves or shave yourselves between your eyes g for a dead person, nor shall
you make gashes in your flesh for someone deceased, nor shall you daub your-
selves with tattoos because you are a holy people for yhwh your God. Blank
You shall not defile 11 your land. Blank Do not do as the gentiles do: 12 they
bury their dead all over the place, they even bury them in the middle of their
houses; instead 13 you shall keep places apart within your land where you shall
bury your dead. Among your 14 cities you shall establish a place in which to
bury. In every city you shall make places for those contaminated 13 with lep-
rosy, infection and scabies so that they do not enter your cities and defile them;
and also for those who have gonorrhoea 16 and for women when they are in
their unclean menstruation and after giving birth, so that they do not defile in
their midst 17 with their unclean menstruation. The leper who has chronic
leprosy or scabies and the priest has declared him unclean
Col. xlix 1 2 to those [. . .] 3 with cedar wood, with hyssop
and with [...] 4 your cities with the plague of leprosy and infect them. Blank
S When a man dies in your cities, every house in which someone dies shall be
unclean 6 over seven days; everything there is in the house and everything
which goes into the house shall be unclean 7 over seven days; all food over
which water is spilt shall be unclean; every drink 8 shall be unclean; the clay
pots shall be unclean and everything there is in them shall be unclean for every
pure man. g The open vessels shall be unclean with all the drink there is them
shall be impure for every Israelite. 10 Blank 11 The day on which they remove
the dead person from the house, they shall cleanse it of every 12 stain of oil,
wine, dampness from water; they shall rub its floor, its walls and its doors;
13 w ith water they shall wash its hinges, its jambs its thresholds and its lintels.
The day on which 14 the dead person is brought from it, they shall cleanse the
house and all the utensils; the mills, the mortar, ij all the utensils of wood, iron
and bronze and all the utensils which can be cleaned. 16 They shall wash the
clothes, the sacks and the skins. Every man who has been in the house shall
bathe in water and wash his clothes the first day; 18 the third day they shall
sprinkle over them the waters of purification, they shall bathe and wash their
clothes ig and the utensils there had been in the house. Blank On the seventh
day 20 they shall sprinkle a second time, they shall bathe and wash their clothes
and their utensils and, in the evening, they shall stay purified 21 from the dead
person so that they can approach all the pure things and the men who were not
contaminated by
Col. L 2 because the water of the purification ...] on mingling
with a dead person [ . . .] 3 shall become impure. In no way . . . until they sprinkle
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q19 L — LI
170
for the second time 4 on the seventh day and are pure in the evening, at sunset.
Blank Every 5 man who in an open held should touch the bone of a dead person
or a stabbed person 6 or a corpse or the blood of a dead person or a burial shall
purify himself in compliance with the ruling of this statute, 7 and if he does
not purify himself according to the statute of this law he will be impure, 8 his
impureness will still persist in him and everyone who touches him shall wash
his clothes, bathe and will become pure 9 by the evening. Blank 10 When a
woman is pregant and her son dies in her womb, all the days which n he is
dead within her she shall be impure like a grave. Every house which she enters
72 with all its utensils shall stay unclean for seven days; everyone who touches
her shall stay impure up to the evening; and if 13 he enters the house with her
he will stay impure for seven days; he shall wash his clothes 14 and bathe on the
first day; the third day he shall sprinkle, wash his clothes and shall bathe; 1 5 on
the seventh day he shall sprinkle a second time, he shall wash his clothes, bathe
16 and he will become pure by sunset. Blank All the utensils, the clothes, the
skins and all 77 the objects of goatskin you shall deal with according to the stat-
ute of this law. All the vases 7# of clay you shall break because they are unclean;
they cannot become clean again, 79 ever. Blank 20 Everything which creeps along
the ground will be unclean: the mouse, the rat, the lizard and its species, the
salamander, 27 the lizard, the chameleon and the wall lizard. Everyone who
touches them after they are dead
Col. Li 7 [what issujes from them [. . . will] be unclean 2 [for you nor] will you be
contaminated by them. [Everyone who touches them when] they are dead will
be impure 3 till the evening; he shall wash his clothes, bathe [and at sun]set he
will be pure. 4 Whoever carries their bones or their corpse, the skin or the flesh
or the claws, shall wash 5 his clothes and bathe in water at sunset, afterwards
he will be pure. Forewarn 6 the children of Israel of every uncleanness. Blank
They are not to be defiled by those things which 7 I tell you on this mountain.
They are not to defile themselves. Blank Because I, yhwh, reside 8 among the
children of Israel. You shall sanctify them and they shall be holy. They shall
not make 9 their souls odious with anything that I have separated from them as
unclean and they shall be 10 holy. Blank 77 In all your cities you shall install
judges and magistrates who judge the people 72 with correct judgment, not
show partiality in judgment, and accept no bribe, and not 13 pervert justice,
because a bribe perverts justice, corrupts the words of the just person, blinds
14 the eyes of the wise, commits a serious offence and defiles the House with
the wickedness 75 of sin. Pursue justice exclusively so that you can live and
enter and take possession 16 of the land which I give you so as an inheritance
for ever. 77 The one who takes bribes and perverts just judgment shall be
killed, and you shall have no qualms 18 'm executing him. Blank ig You shall not
behave in your land as the nations behave; in any place at all 20 they sacrifice,
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plant asheroth, set up stelae 21 place hewn stones in order to bow down in front
of them and build for themselves
Col. lii 1 . you shall not [plant. . .] 2 [. . .] You shall not set up for yourself
stela [which I loathe] 3 [nor] in all your land make for yourself carved stones in
order to bow down in front of them. You shall not 4 sacrifice to me a cow or a
sheep which has any serious blemish because it is anathema 5 to me. You shall
not sacrifice to me any cow, sheep or she-goat which is pregnant; it is anathema
to me. 6 You shall not sacrifice to me a cow or sheep and its young on the same
day and you shall not slaughter the mother 7 with its young. Blank Every first-
born male born to your cattle and sheep 8 you shall consecrate to me. You shall
not work with the firstborn of your cow, or shear the firstborn 9 of your sheep.
You shall eat it in front of me, year after year, in the place which I shall choose.
If there should be w any blemish in it: lame or blind or any other serious blem-
ish do not sacrifice it to me. 11 You shall eat it in your cities, whether one is
pure or impure, like the gazelle or the deer. Only the blood are you not to eat,
12 you shall pour it out on the ground like water and cover it with dust. You
shall not put a muzzle on the ox which threshes. 13 You shall not work with an
ox and an ass together. You shall not sacrifice any pure cow, sheep or he-goat
14 in any of your cities which are less than three days’ walk from my temple,
but instead 13 sacrifice them inside the temple, making them into a holocaust
and peace offering; you shall eat it 16 and rejoice in front of me in the place
where I shall choose to put my name. All 17 pure animals in which there is a
blemish you shall eat in your cities, far from my temple 18 at a radius of thirty
stadia. You shall not sacrifice near my temple because it is abominable flesh.
1 9 Within my city, which I make holy by placing my name within it, you shall
not eat the flesh of cow, sheep or she-goat 20 which has not come into my tem-
ple; they shall sacrifice it there, 21 they shall pour out its blood over the base of
the altar of holocausts and they shall burn its fat
Col. l 1 1 1 ;[...]...[...] 2 [...] the desire of your soul for eating fl[esh] 3 you shall
eat fl[esh; you shall slaughter] from your flocks and your cattle according to the
blessing w hich I give you 4 and you shall eat them in your cities, both the clean
and the unclean, like the gazelle 5 or the deer. But take care not to eat the
blood; you shall pour it out on the ground like water and cover it 6 with dust
because the blood is life. You shall not eat the life with the flesh so that 7 it may
go well for you and your sons after you, for ever; and you shall do what is up-
right and good 8 before me, yhwh, your God. Blank 9 Take only your holy
things and all your votive offerings and go to the place over which I shall make
10 my name dwell, and sacrifice there in front of me in accordance with what
you consecrated or vowed with your mouth. 11 If you make a vow, do not delay
in fulfilling it, because I shall certainly demand it from your hand 12 and it shall
172
EXEGF.TICAL LITERATURE
HQig LIII-LV
become a sin to you; but if you refrain and you do not make a vow you shall not
have a sin. 13 What your lips have uttered you have to carry out exactly as you
promised with your mouth, you have to do 14 as you promised. Blank A man
who makes a vow to me or promises 13 under oath, binding himself with a
formal pledge shall not break his word; he shall act in accordance with all that
issued from his mouth. 16 Blank A woman who makes me a vow or binds herself
with a formal pledge 17 in the house of her father, with an oath, in her youth,
and her father hears the vow or 18 the formal pledge with which she bound
herself and her father says nothing about it, 19 all her vows will remain in force
and all the pledges with which she bound herself will stay in force. Blank But
if 20 her father forbids her on the day when he heard her, all her vows and all
her pledges 21 with which she bound herself formally will not remain in force;
and I shall pardon her because he forbade her.
Col. Liv 1 [...] ... [...] 2 his sin [...Every vow] or every oath [to do penance]
3 her husband may sanction [it] or her husband may revoke it the day he hears
it; and I shall pardon her. 4 Blank Every vow of a widow or a divorcee, every-
thing by which she binds herself formally 5 will hold good; likewise everything
which issues from her mouth. Blank All the things which I 6 order you today,
take care to carry them out; you shall add nothing to them 7 nor remove any-
thing from them. Blank 8 If among you there arises a prophet or an interpreter
of dreams and gives you a sign or 9 a marvel, and the sign or marvel occurs
about which he spoke to you saying: 10 ‘Let us go and serve other gods whom
you do not know’, do not n listen to the word of that prophet or of that inter-
preter of dreams because 12 I am putting you to the test, in order to know
whether you love yhwh 13 the God of your fathers, with all your heart and all
your soul. 14 You shall follow yhwh your God, serve him and revere him; you
shall listen to his voice 15 and attach yourselves to him. And this prophet or
interpreter of dreams shall be put to death because he proclaimed rebellion
16 against yhwh, your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt and
saved you 17 from slavery, in order to make you stray from the path on which
he ordered you to walk. Thus shall you eradicate 18 the evil in your midst. Blank
19 If your brother, the son of your father or the son of your mother, or your
son or your daughter 20 or the woman who lies in your embrace or your
soulmate provokes you in secret saying: ‘Let us go and let us serve other gods
whom you do not know’
Col. lv ?[...] Blank [...] 2 II in one [of your cities which] I give you so that you
res[ide there] you hear 3 it said that there have arisen among you men, sons of
Be]lial, and have drawn away all the inhabitants of 4 their city saying: ‘Let us
go and let us serve other gods whom you do not know’, 5 you shall inquire,
search and question closely; if the matter is absolutely certain 6 and this atrocity
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has been committed in Israel, you shall put to the sword all the inhabitants 7 of
that city and destroy them; and everything there is in it, and 8 all their animals
you shall put to the sword. You shall collect together all their spoils in the mid-
dle g of the square and set fire to the city and all their spoils entirely for yhwh
w your God; it shall stay in ruins for ever, it shall not be rebuilt again. There
shall not adhere 11 to your hands anything of what has been assigned for de-
struction. In this way I shall alter the intensity of my anger and shall have
12 mercy on you, take pity on you and increase your numbers as I said to your
fathers, 13 if you listen to my voice and keep all the precepts which I enjoin you
14 today in order to do the right and the good before me, yhwh, your God.
is Blank If there happens to be among you in one of the cities which 16 I gave
you, a man or a woman who does evil before my eyes 17 breaking my covenant,
and goes and serves other gods and bows down in front of them 18 or in front
of the sun or in front of the moon or in front of all the legions of heaven, and
they tell you it ig and you hear this thing, you shall investigate and question
carefully and 20 if the matter is absolutely certain and this abomination has
been committed in Israel, you shall expel 21 that man or that woman and you
shall stone them with stones.
Col. lv 1 1 [ 2 the word about you [ . . . ] they shall make known to you
the sentence. 3 You shall act in accordance with the word 4 which they say to
you from the book of the Law. They shall explain it to you accurately 5 from
the place I shall select in which to install my name, and you shall take care to
act 6 in accordance with everything they tell you. 7 You shall not deviate either
to the right or to the left from the law which they explain to you. 8 Whoever
does not listen and acts with effrontery in order not 9 to listen to the priest
placed there to serve in my presence or the 10 judge, that man shall die. Thus
you shall eliminate the evil from Israel and all 11 the people shall listen and fear
and no-one will behave insolently in Israel any more. Blank 12 When you enter
the land which I give you, and own it and live 13 in it and say to yourself: «I
shall set a king over myself like all the peoples which surround me», 14 then
you shall set over yourself a king /whom I shall choose./ From among your
brothers you shall set over yourself a king; 75 you shall not set a foreign man
who is not your brother over yourself. But he is not 16 to increase the cavalry
or make the people go back to Egypt on account of war in order to 17 increase
the cavalry, or the silver and gold. Blank I told you «You 18 shall not go back
again on this path». He is not to have many wives or ig let his heart go astray
after them. He is not to have much silver and gold; not much. 20 Blank When
he sits upon the throne of his kingdom they shall write 21 for him this law ac-
cording to the book which is in front of the priests.
Col. lvii 1 This is the law [. . .] the priests. 2 On the day when they proclaim him
174
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
IIQ19 LVII-LVIII
king, the children of Israel [shall assemble?], from those 3 more than twenty
years old up to those of sixty years, according to their banners. And he shall
appoint {they shall appoint} 4 at their head chiefs of a thousand, chiefs of a
hundred, chiefs of fifty 5 and chiefs of ten in all their cities. From them he shall
select a thousand, a thousand 6 from each tribe, to be with him: twelve thou-
sand men of war 7 who will not leave him on his own, so that he will not be
seized by the hands of the nations. All those 8 selected, which he selects, shall
be men of truth, venerating God, 9 enemies of bribery, skilled men in war; and
they shall always be with him 10 day and night and they shall guard him from
every act of sin 77 and from the foreign nations so that he does not fall into
their hands. He will have twelve 12 princes of his people with him and twelve
priests 13 and twelve levites who shall sit next to him for judgment 14 and for
the law. He shall not divert his heart from them or do anything 75 in all his
councils without relying on them. Blank He shall not take a wife from among all
16 the daughters of the nations, but instead take for himself a wife from the his
father’s house 77 from his father’s family. He shall take no other wife apart
from her 18 because only she will be with him all the days of her life. If she
dies, he shall take 79 for himself another from his father’s house, from his fam-
ily. He shall not pervert justice, 20 or accept a bribe to pervert correct judg-
ment. He shall not crave 21 the field, the vineyard, the wealth, the house or any
valuable thing in Israel or purloin
Col. LVIII 7 [...] ... [...] 2 [...] their men. Blank 3 If it happens that /the king/
hears that some nation or people is attempting to despoil Israel of all it owns,
4 he shall send the chiefs of a thousand and the chiefs of a hundred, those sta-
tioned in the cities 5 of Israel, and they shall send with him the tenth part of
the people so that it can sally out with him to war against 6 their enemies. And
they shall sally out with him. If a large number of people comes against the
land of Israel they shall send 7 with him a fifth part of the men of war. And if
it is a king with chariots and horses and many men, 8 they shall send with him
a third part of the men of war. The other two-thirds shall defend 9 their cities
and their border so that the troops do not enter their land. 10 If the war against
him worsens, they shall send him half of the people, the men of war, 77 but
those of the (other) half of the people shall not withdraw from their cities. Blank
If they overcome 12 their enemies, defeat them and put them to the sword, they
shall gathefr] their spoils and they shall give 13 to the king a tenth part of them;
to the priests a thousandth part; to the levites a hundredth part 14 of the whole.
And they shall divide the rest into two halves, between those who fought in
battle and their brothers, 75 who had to remain in their cities. Blank And if he
sallies out to war against 76 his enemies, a fifth part of the people shall sally out
with him, the men of war, the mighty men of 77 valour. And they shall refrain
from every impurity and every immodesty and from every sin and fault.
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18 They are not to sally forth until he has entered the presence of the High
Priest and he has consulted for him the decision of the Urim ig and Tummin.
On his orders he shall sally out and on his orders he shall (re-)enter, he and all
the children of Israel who 20 are with him; he shall not sally out on the advice
of his heart until he has consulted the decision of the Urim 21 and Thummim.
He will have success in all his paths as long as he goes out in accord with the
decision which
Col. lix 2 they shall disband them over many lands and they shall
be a horror, a byword and a gibe; they shall be with a heavy yoke 3 and lacking
everything; there they shall worship gods made by the hand of man, of wood
and stone, of silver 4 and of gold. In all this period their cities shall be a waste,
a gibe and a ruin; 5 their enemies shall leave them razed. They themselves, in
the lands of their enemies, shall sigh 6 and scream under the heavy yoke; they
shall call and I shall not listen, they shall shout and I shall not reply to them,
7 owing to their evil deeds; I will hide my face from them; they shall be fodder
8 and prey and spoil, and no-one will save them owing to their sins - for they
broke my covenant g and their soul loathed my law -until they feel guilty of all
their faults. Then they shall come back 10 to me with all their heart and with
all their soul, in agreement with all the words of this law u and they shall be
saved from the hand of their enemies and redeemed from the power of those
who hate them; they shall be brought 12 into the land of their fathers, redeemed
and greater in number; and I will rejoice in them. 13 They shall be my people
and I will be their God. Blank The king who 14 prostitutes his heart and his
eyes, removing them from my commandments, will not find someone who will
sit on the throne 13 of his fathers for ever, because over the centuries I shall
prevent his line from governing again in Israel. 16 Blank But if he walks accord-
ing to my precepts and keeps my commandments and does 1 7 what is upright
and good before me, there will not be lacking one of his sons who sits on the
throne of the kingdom 18 of Israel for ever. I shall be with him and free him
from the hand of those who hate him and from the hand 1 g of those who seek
his life in order to destroy it; I shall place in front of him all his enemies and
he will govern them 20 as he pleases and they shall not govern him. I shall make
him improve and not diminish, [I shall place him] at the head 21 and not at the
tail, and he will extend his kingdom for many days, he and his sons after him.
Col. lx 1 2 and all their wave-offerings and every firstborn [of their
animals,] the males and every [. . .] 3 for their animals; and all their holy offer-
ings which they consecrate to me along with all their 4 festal offerings; and a
levy of tribute upon the birds, animals and fish, one per thousand 5 of all that
they catch; and all that they dedicate to the Lord; and a levy on the booty and
spoil. 6 Blank It shall be for the levites: a tenth of the grain, the new wine and
176
EXEGETICAL. LITERATURE
11Q19 LX-LXI
the oil which 7 they consecrate to me first; and the shoulder from those who
perform the sacrifice; and the levy on the 8 booty and the spoil; and one percent
of the bag of birds, animals and fish; 9 and of the pigeons and of the tithe of
the honey, one fiftieth. One percent w of the pigeons will be for the priests.
For he has chosen them from among all your tribes n so that they can be in my
presence and serve and bless my name, he and all their sons for ever. 12 Blank
When the levite who lives in any of the cities of all Israel comes 13 at his own
wish to the place where I choose to install 14 my name, he will minister, like all
his brother levites who are there in my presence. 13 They shall eat equal por-
tions, not counting the sale of the patrimony. Blank 16 When you enter the land
which I am going to give you, you shall not learn to emulate 17 the depravities
of those peoples. Among you there should not be found anyone who makes his
son or his daughter pass 18 through fire, anyone who practises divination, as-
trologers, sorcerers, wizards, anyone who performs incantations, anyone who
consults a spirit 19 or oracles or anyone who questions the dead; because all
those who do these things are an abomination to me 20 and owing to these
abominations I shall dispossess them before you. 21 You are to be perfect before
yhwh your God. Blank When these nations which
Col. lxi 1 [who says in my name what I have not ordered him] to say, or who
[speaks in the name of o]ther go[ds] 2 that prophet shall be executed. Blank If
you say in your heart ‘How shall we know the word 3 which yhwh has not
spoken?’ If the prophet speaks in the name of yhwh and the word does not
happen 4 and is not fulfilled, it is a word which I did not say; the prophet has
spoken it presumptuously. Do not fear him. 5 Blank 6 A single witness may not
stand up against a man for any fault or for any sin which he has committed; by
the testimony of two 7 witnesses or by the testimony of three witnesses the
matter shall be settled. If a false witness should stand up against a man to ac-
cuse him 8 of wrongdoing, the two men between whom there is /litigation/
shall appear before me, before the priests and levites and before 9 the judges
who will be there on those days. The judges shall investigate and if (it is a ques-
tion) of a false witness who accused 10 his brother falsely, you shall deal with
him as he intended to deal with his brother; thus shall you eradicate the evil
from the midst of you. 11 The rest shall hear it and fear and not dare to do a
similar thing again in your midst. 12 Your eye shall not take pity on him; life
for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. Blank When
13 you go out to war against your enemies, and you see horses and chariots and
a people more numerous than you, do not fear them 14 because I, he who made
you come up from the land of Egypt, am with you. When you advance to bat-
tle, 15 the priest shall come forward and he will speak to the people and the
people shall say: ‘Listen, Israel, you are approaching’
11Q19 LXII-LXIV
THE TEMPLE SCROLL
177
Col. lxii 1-2 ... [. . .] j to speak to the people and they shall say: ‘Who is a cow-
ard and feeble of heart? He should go and return to 4 his house, lest he weaken
the heart of his brother like his own heart’ Blank When the judges have finished
5 speaking to the people, the military commanders at the head of the people
shall be appointed. Blank When 6 you approach a city to fight against it, you
shall offer it peace; if 7 it answers you with peace and opens up to you, all the
people that are in it 8 shall pay you tribute and serve you; however, if it does
not make peace with you and makes war, 9 you shall besiege it; I shall put it
into your hands and you shall put its males to the sword. However, 10 the
women, the children, the flocks and all that there is in the city, all its booty,
you shall remove 11 for yourself and you shall consume the booty of your ene-
mies whom I deliver to you. Thus shall you act 12 with all the cities quite far
from you, which are not the cities of these peoples. 13 However, of the cities
of the peoples which I grant to you as inheritance, you shall leave no-one alive,
14 because you must dedicate them to extermination: the Hittites, the Amorites
and the Canaanites, 13 the Hivites and the Jebusites and the Gergasites and the
Perizzites, as I have commanded you, so that 16 they do not teach you to do all
the abominations which they do for their gods.
Col. L x 1 1 1 1 2 the heifer to a torrent of running water which has not
been sown or tilled; and there they shall break the heifer’s neck. 3 Blank And the
priests, sons of Levi, shall approach because I chose them to serve in my pres-
ence and to bless my name, 4 and at their decision every dispute and every
quarrel is settled. And all the elders of that city, the nearest to the stabbed
person, 5 shall wash their hands over the head of the heifer whose neck was
broken in the torrent, they shall begin to speak and shall say: ‘Our hands 6 have
not spilled this blood and our eyes have not seen anything. Pardon your people
Israel whom you redeemed, 7 O yhwh, and do not place innocent blood in the
midst of your people Israel’, and the blood will be pardoned them. Thus shall
you eradicate 8 the innocent blood from Israel, and you shall do the right and
good thing before yhwh your God. 9 Blank 10 When you go out to war against
your enemies and I place them in your hands and you make prisoners, 11 if
among the prisoners you see a woman of beautiful appearance, you desire her
and you wish to take her as a wife for yourself, 1 2 you shall bring her into your
house, shave her head and cut her nails; you shall remove 13 the prisoner’s
clothes from her and she will live in your house. A full month shall she weep
for her father and her mother. 14 Then you shall enter her, marry her, and she
will be your wife. She is not to touch pure foodstuffs, for 15 seven years, or eat
the peace offering until seven years pass; afterwards she may eat
Col. lxiv 1 2 If a man has a defiant or uncontrollable son who does not
listen to his father’s voice or his mother’s voice, 3 and pays them no attention
178
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q19 LXIV-LXVI
when they correct him, his father and his mother shall take him and they shall
bring him out 4 to the elders of his city, to the gate of his locality; and they
shall say to the elders of his city: ‘This son of ours is defiant 5 and uncontrolla-
ble and does not listen to our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard’. And all the
men of the city shall stone him 6 and he will die. Thus shall you eradicate the
evil from your midst, and all the children of Israel shall hear it and fear. Blank
If 7 there were to be a spy against his people who betrays his people to a foreign
nation or causes evil against his people, 8 you shall hang him from a tree and
he will die. On the evidence of two witnesses and on the evidence of three wit-
nesses 9 shall he be executed and they shall hang him on the tree. Blank If there
were a man with a sin punishable by death and he escapes 10 amongst the na-
tions and curses his people /and/ the children of Israel, he also you shall hang
on the tree u and he will die. Their corpses shall not spend the night on the
tree; instead you shall bury them that day because 12 they are cursed by God
and man, those hanged on a tree; thus you shall not defile the land which I
13 give you for inheritance. Blank If you see your brother’s ox or ewe or his ass
14 astray, do not pretend to ignore them; make them go back to your brother.
And if your brother is not near 13 you, or you do not know him, you shall take
it into your house and it will stay with you until he looks for it.
Col. lxv 1 ... [...] 2 If you find a bird’s [nest] in front of you on the path, in any
tree or on the ground, 3 with chicks or eggs and the mother is sitting on the
chicks or eggs, 4 you shall not take the mother with the brood; you shall release
the mother 3 and take the brood for yourself so that it may go well for you and
you lengthen your days. When you build a new house, 6 you shall make a para-
pet on your roof; in this way you shall not cause blood to fall on your house if
anyone falls 7 from it. Blank If a man takes a woman and marries her and hates
her and covers her with insulting words Sand causes a bad reputation and says:
‘I took this woman and on approaching her 9 I found her not be a virgin’, the
young girl’s father or her mother shall take and bring out 10 the proof of the
young girl’s virginity to the elders, at the gate. Blank The young girl’s father will
say 11 to the elders ‘I have given my daughter to this man /as a wife/ and here
he is hating her and 12 covering her with insulting words, saying “I did not find
your daughter to be a virgin”. These are the proofs of the virginity 13 of my
daughter’. And they shall spread the garment in front of the elders of that city.
And the elders of that city shall take 14 that man and punish him; they shall
impose a fine of one hundred silver shekels 13 and they shall be given to the
young girl’s father, because he caused a bad reputation for a virgin of Israel.
Col. lxvi /[...] ... [...] 2 they shall stone them and they shall be put to death;
the young girl because she did not scream 3 in the city, and the man because he
raped his neighbour’s wife; thus will be eradicated 4 the evil from your midst.
11Q20 1
THE TEMPLE SCROLL
179
But if it was in a field where the man met /the woman/, in a hidden place far
5 from the city, and he coerced her and lay with her, only the man who lay with
her will be put to death. 6 You shall do nothing to the young woman; she has
not committed a fault meriting death, because it is the same in this case as
when 7 a man rises up against his neighbour and murders him; he met her in
the field, 8 the young betrothed girl screamed, but there was no-one to help
her. Blank If a man violates a young 9 virgin who is not betrothed, and she suits
him according to the Law and he lies with her to and they are discovered, the
man who lay with her will give the girl’s father fifty silver shekels n and she
will be his wife, since he raped her, and he cannot dismiss her all her life. 12 A
man is not to take his father’s wife or uncover the member of his father. A man
is not to take 13 his brother’s wife or uncover the member of his brother, of his
father’s or mother’s son, because it is wanton. 14 A man is not to take his sister,
the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother; it is an abomination.
13 A man is not to take his father’s sister or his mother’s sister because it is
depravity. 16 A man is not to take Blank 17 his brother’s daughter or his sister’s
daughter because it is an abomination. Blank A man is not to take
Col. LXVII Blank
HQTemple Scroll* (iiQ2o[iiQTemple*])
Frag. 1 (= 1 iqT xv) ?[...] seven yearling (lambs) and a he-goat [. . .] 2 [according
to the regulation.] For the dedication of a sheep for each [day...] 3 [... You
shall share out] all the sheep and the baskets over the seven [days of the dedica-
tion, one for each day,] 4 [according to their divisions.] You shall offer to yhwh
the holocaust [of the sheep, and the fat which covers] 5 [the entrails,] the two
kidneys and the fat which is on them, [the fat which is on the loins and the
w hole tail] 6 cut off at the coccyx, and the lobe of the liver, [and its offering and
its libation, according to the regulation. You shall take up a cake] 7 [of unleav-
ened bread] from the basket and a cake of oiled bread and a wafer, [and you
shall place it all on top of the fat with the leg] 8 [offered in tribute, the right
leg. Those who are offering shall lift up [the sheep and the baskets of bread,]
9 [lifting up] before yhwh; it is a holocaust, fire-sacrifice of fragrance [which
appeases yhwh. You shall burn everything] to [on the altar, on top of] the ho-
locaust, in order to consecrate their souls (for) the seven days [of the consecra-
tion.] 11 [...] Blank When the High Priest, is [about to serve before yhwh, the
one who has been] 12 [consecrated in order to don the vestments [in succession
to his fathers,] he shall offer [a bullock for all the people] 13 [and another for the
pr]iests. He shall first bring near what is for the prifests. The elders from
among the priests shall lay] 14 [their hands upon] his head, and after them the
High Pr[iest] and all the [priests. And they shall slaughter] 15 the calf [before
i8o
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q20 3-7
yhwh.] And the elders of the priests shall take some of the blood of the calf
and [with their fingers they shall place upon the horns of the altar] 16 the blood
[of the calf,] and they shall sprinkle around on the four faces of the base of the
[altar...]
Frag. 3 1 [...] ...2 [...upon] the thumb 3 [...] and of oil
Frag. 4 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] and they shall [burn...] 3 [...] Blank [...]* [...] out-
side of [...]
Frag. 5 1 [. . . on the fourth part of the] day they shall sacrifice [. . .] 2 [. . .] per-
fect, and their offerings and their lib[ations, according to the regulation...]
3 [...the first-fruits] will be for the priests, and they shall eat them in the
court[yard . . .] 4 [. . .] new bread of ears [of wheat. . .] 5 [. . .] and they shall do no
menial work [...]
Frag. 6 (= hqt xix, 12-xx, 9) / [From the day on which you carried to yhwh
the new offering,] the bread of the first-fruits, you shall count off seven weeks,
2 [seven full weeks;] you shall count off fifty [days until the day following the]
seventh [sabbath,] and [you shall c]arry 3 [new wine for the libation: four hin for
all the tribes of] Israel, a third of a hin for 4 [each tribe. That day all the heads
of a thousand of Israel] shall offer to yhwh [with the wine] twelve sheep
5 [• • .she]ep, and the offering, according to the regulation; two 6 [. . . a third and
one] hin of oil for the sheep, with that libation. 7 [. . .] seven yearling sheep and
a he-goat 8 [. . .] the assembly. Blank 9 [. . .] and their libation /according to the
regulation/ for the bullocks, and for the sheep. 10 [...] to yhwh in the fourth
part of that day, and they shall sacrifice //[...] the sheep and the libation. And
they shall sacrifice 12 [...] and the fourtefen] yearling lambs 13 [...] they shall
offer the holocaust 14 [. . .] they shall burn upon the altar 1 5 [the fat surrounding
the entrails and all the fat there is upon] the entrails and the 16 [lobe of the liver
over the kidneys will be removed.] Blank 1 7 [And (also) the fat which there is on
top of them and what is over the loins and] the tail, cut at 18 [the coccyx. And
they shall burn everything upon the altar, with their offerings] and libations.
19 [It is a fire-sacrifice of fragrance which appeases yhwh.] Blank 20 [They shall
offer all the offering with which a libation is offered according to the regula-
tion] for the offering.
Frag. 7 (= 1 iqt xx, 13-16) 1 [. . .They shall eat it on this day and upon it] the
sun [shall not set.] 2 [In all the oblations you shall put salt and it shall not be]
missing: covenant of salt /for/ ever. 3 [You shall take for yhwh as tribute,
from the ra]ms and from the lambs the right leg, 4 [the breast, the jawbones,
the stomach] and the shoulder blade up to the bone of the upper foreleg.
11Q20 8-9
THE TEMPLE SCROLL
181
Frags. 8-9 col. 1 (= iiqt xxi, i-xxii, 5) 1 [...for the priests] there will be the
leg of the offering and the breast 2 [of wave-offering . . . the shoulderj-blades,
the jawbones and the stomachs of the portions 3 [. . .] and the lobe and the rest
of the shoulder-blade 4 [. . .] It is eternal law for you and for your descendants.
s [. . . and they shall offer for] the heads of thousands [. . .] of the sheep and of
6 [the lambs; and for ...] a ram and a lamb; and for each one of the clans 7 [a
ram and a lamb for each one of the clans of the twe]lve tribes of Israel. And
they shall eat 8 [. . . before yhwh. The pries]ts shall drink there first 9 [and the
levites ... the h]eads of the battalions first. 10 [...famous. After them all the
people, from the oldest] to the smallest, shall go and drink the new wine.
11 [They shall not eat any grape, sour fruit of the vine, until on] this day they
atone for the new wine. And the children of Israel 12 [will rejoice in yhwh’s
presence. Eternal law for their generations] in all their villages. They shall re-
joice on 13 [this day on going to pour out a libation of juice, a new wine, over
the altar of yhwh,] year after year. Blank 14 [ Blank From this day you shall
count off] seven times seven weeks. 15 [There will be forty-nine days from the
seven full weeks, up to the day a]fter the seventh sabbath. 16 [You shall count
off fifty days and you shall offer new oil from the villages of the clans of the
sons of Is]rael: half a hin 77 [each one of the clans. . .] ... 18 [. . .] the sheep [...]
20 [. . .] with him for all the congregation before 21 [yhwh. . .] with this oil, half
a hin 22 [. . . according to the regulation it will be a holocaust of fire of
23 [pleasing aroma for yhwh.. .] they shall burn this oil in the lamps 24 [...] the
heads of thousand with the pri[nces] 25 [...fourteen yearling lambs] and their
offerings and libations [. . .] 26 [.. .] /the priests/ sons of Aa[ron. . .]
Frags. 8-9 col. n (iiqt xxii, 8-xxiii, 4) 1 according to the regulation...] 2 to
YHWH. [...the right leg and the breasts of] 3 the wave-offering; and as [first-
fruits . . . and for the priests the jawbones and the stomach; it shall be their
share] 4 in accordance with the ordinance. Blank [.. . And the sons of] 5 Israel
shall give the priests a [ram and a lamb; to the levites a ram and a lamb and to
each] 6 clan a ram and a la[mb. And they shall eat it throughout this day in the
outer courtyard in front of yhwh.] 7 Eternal precepts for their generations,
[year after year. Afterwards, they shall eat and they shall anoint themselves
with the new oil and with the olives] 8 because on this day they shall atone for
[all the virgin oil of the land in front of yhwh, once a year. And] 9 all the chil-
dren of Israel shall rejoice in all [their villages. . .] 10-11 [.. .] 12 for the altar [. . .]
13 the clans of [Levi] and Judah, on [the second day Benjamin and the sons of
Joseph, on the thrid day, Reuben and Simeon,] 14 on the fourth day Issachar
[and Zebulon, on the fifth day Gad and Asher, on the sixth day, Dan] 15 and
Naphtali. Blank [. . . And they shall offer, on the festival of the offering of] 16 the
wood, a holocaust for [yhwh. . .] 77 two he-goats for [. . .] 18 holo[caust. . .]
182
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
11Q20 10-l6
Frag. 10 1 2 [. . .] Blank 3 [. . .] in the fourth part of the day this canal 4 [. . .]
perpetual [holocaust. Blanks [ ] a great sabbath of memorial, a holy assembly
6 [ J he will do for life 7 f . . .] a sheep, a
Frag. 12 (= iiqt xxxvii, 9-14) 1 [. . .in front of the rooms. In the inner court-
yard,] next to [the wall] of the outer 2 [courtyard, places made for the priests,
for their sacrifices and for] the first-fruits and the tithes, 3 [and for their peace-
sacrifices which they will offer. There shall be no mingl]ing of the peace sacri-
fices of the sons of Is[rael] 4 with the peace [sacrifices of the priests.] Blank 5 [In
the four corners of the courtyard you shall make for them] /a place/ for the
cauldrons where they shall [cook] 6 [their sacrifices and the sin-offerings . . .In
the North-]eastern corner [. . .]
Frags. 13- 16 col. 1 (= 1 iqt xlv, 9-XLVi, 18) 1 [. . . And on the third day he shall
wash his clothes and bathe at sunset.] Afterwards 2 [he shall enter the temple.
But they shall not enter my temple with their soiled impurity to defile it. Any-
one] who lies [with his wife and has an ejaculation, for three] 3 days [shall not
enter anywhere in the city of the temple] in the centre of which I dwell 5 [be-
cause I, yh wh, dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever and always.]
Blank 6 [Everyone who purifies himself from his gonorrhoea shall count off
seven days up to his purification. On day] seven 7 [he shall wash his clothes and
immerse his body completely in running water. Afterwards he shall enter the
city of the temple. Anyone who is un]clean through contact with a corpse shall
not 8 [enter it until he purifies himself. Any leper and infected person shall not
enter it until] he purifies himself; when 9 [he purifies himself and offers the . . .]
he shall not enter the temple 10 [. . .] and the temple / 1 [. . .] Blank 12-14 [• • •] 15 [
to be in the middle of my temple for ever and for all the centuries, for] I dwell
[among them.] 16 [...] Blank 17 [You shall make a platform around the outer
courtyard, on the outside, fourteen cubits in width, corresponding to the
door]ways; [and for it you shall make] 18 [twelve steps so that the children of
Israel can climb] up them in order to enter my temfple.] 19 [You shall make a
platform around the temple, one hundred cubits in width, which separates the
holy [temple from the city,] 20 [so that they do not suddenly enter my temple
and defile it.] They shall make my tempfle] holy 21 [and respect it, for I dwell
among them.] Blank 22 [You shall make lat]rines [for them] outside [the city,
where they are obliged to go, outside, to the North-east of the city:] 23 [houses
with beams] and wells within them, [into which excrement will be dropped;
they shall not be visible from a total distance] 24 [from the city of three] thou-
sand [cubits. You shall make] three [zones, to the East of the city, separate from
each other, where] 25 [lepers, those who suffer gonorrhoea] and men [with a
pollution. . .] 26 [. . .] ... [. . .]
11Q20 17-20
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183
Frags. 13 - 16 col. a / and those who enter [...'] 2 ewe [. . .] 3 and all [ ] ^ affair
[. . .] 5 [...] 6 and the .. [.. .] 7 Judah [...]# the cities of [...]
Frag. 17 / and [. . .] 2 and all [. . .] 3 they purify themselves [. . .] 4 and those with
gonorfrhoea ...].,- the clothes [. . .] 6 upon it [. . .] 7 with water [. . .] 7 And if [. . .]
8 until [...]
Frags. 18- 19 col. 1 (= 1 iqt l, 1 - 1 1) /[...] until the day 2 [. . . the] seventh day
3 [...] in water 4 [.. .] of the dead man 5 [...] they shall eat 6 [.. . they will remain
impure.] In any way 7 [. . .] Blank 8 Blank [Every man who in an open field should
touch the bone of a] 9 dead person or a stabbed [person or a corpse or the blood
of a dead person or a burial shall purify himself in compliance with the ruling
of this statute, and if he does not purify himself] 10 according to the statute [of
this law he will be impure, his uncleanness will still persist in him and everyone
who touches him shall wash his clothes, bathe] 11 and will become pure by the
[evening. When a woman is pregant and her son dies in her womb, all the days
he] 12 is dead within her she shall be impure [like a grave. . ..]
Frags. 18- 19 col. 11 (= 1 iqt Li, 5-18) ; at sunset, [afterwards he will be pure.
Forewarn the children of Israel of every uncleanness. They are not to be de-
filed by those things which I tell] 2 /them/ on this mountain. [They are not to
defile themselves. Because I, YHWH, reside among the children of Israel. They
shall sanctify themselves and they shall be holy. They shall not make] 3 their
souls [odious] with anything [that I have separated from them as impure and
they shall be holy. Blank In all your cities you shall put] 4 judges and magistrates
[who judge the people with correct judgment, and make no distinction of per-
sons in judgment,] 5 and accept no bribe, [because a bribe perverts justice, cor-
rupts the words of the just person, blinds the eyes of the wise] 6 perpetrates a
serious offence [and defiles the House with the wickedness of sin. Pursue jus-
tice exclusively so that you can live and enter and take possession of the land]
7 which I give you, [so as to own it for ever. Blank The one who takes bribes and
perverts just judgment] 8 shall [die and you shall have no qualms in executing
him....]
Frag. 20 (= 1 iqt liv, 19-21) 1 [If your brother, the son of your fa|ther or [the
son of your mother, or your son or your daughter, or the woman] 2 [who lies
in your embrace or your soul]mate [provokes you in secret saying: ‘Let us go
and let us serve other gods’] 3 [whom you do not know and neither do your
fa]thers, of the gods of [the peoples who surround you, close to you] 4 [or far
from] you, from one side of the land to the [other side of the land; you shall not
go to him nor] 5 [shall you listen to him, nor shall your sig]ht [take pity] on
him, nor shall you have compassion on [him, and you shall not conceal him, but
184
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
1 1Q20 20
instead you shall kill him;] 6 [your hand will be] the first one [over him] to kill
him, and the hand of [all the people after you. You shall stone him with
stones,] 7 [because he tried to turn] you aside. Blank [. . .]
3Q4 • 4Ql61
PESHARIM
185
3 Pesharim
A Commentaries on Isaiah
3Qlsaiah Pesher (3Q4 [3QpIs])
1 Is 1:1 Vision of Isaiah, son of [Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the
period of Uzziah] 2 and of Jotham, of Achaz and of [Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
The interpretation of the word which] 3 Isaiah prophesied concerning [. . .] 4 to
[...] king of Ju[dah Is 1:2 Listen, heavens; pay attention, earth; for the Lord
speaks.] 5 [...] Blank [Its interpretation: that ...] 6 [the] day of judgment [...]
7 | ... ) ... | ... ]
4Qlsaiah Pesher" (4Q161 [4QpIs"])
Frag. 1 col. 1 20 Is 10:20 [On that day, the remnant of Israel, the survivors of
Jacob, will not revert to leaning] 21 [on their assailant but will lean exclusively
on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.] 22 {Is 10:21 A remnant will return, a rem-
nant of] Jacob to God [the warrior.] 23 [Its interpretation: the remnant of] Israel
is [the assembly of his chosen one. . .] 24 [. . .] the men of his army [. . .The rem-
nant of Jacob is. . .] 25 [. . .] the priests, since [. . .]
Frags. 2-6 col. 11 1 [/s 10:22 Even if your people, Israel were like the sand of the
sea, only a remnant will return; extermination is decreed,] 2 [but overflowing
justice. For it is decided and decreed: the Lord of Hosts is going to do it in the
centre of all the earth.] 3 [Its interpretation concerns . . .] since [. . .] the sons of
[. . .] 4 of his people. And as for what he says: Is 10:22 Even if [your people, Israel
were like the sand of the sea,] 5 [only a remnant will return; extermination is
decreed,] but justice will overflow. [Its interpretation: . . .] 6 [. . . to des]troy on
the day of slaughter]; and many will die [...] 7 [...but they will be] saved,
surely, by their plan] ting] in the land [...]#[...] Blank Is 10:24-27 This is why [the
Lord God of Hosts] says: [do not be afraid, my people] 9 [li]ving in Zion, [of
Assyria: it will hit you with a stick and lift its rod against you in the fashion of
Egypt;] 10 [for] very shortly [my anger will end and my wrath will destroy
them. The Lord of Hosts] will lash [against them] 11 [the flail as in the destruc-
tion of Midian, on the rock of] Horeb, and he will lift his rod [against the sea]
12 [in the fashion of Egypt. And on that day it will happen] that his load will be
removed [from your shoulder,] 13 [ and his yoke from your neck. The interpre-
tation of the word concerns] ...[...] 14 on his return from the wilderness of the
[peoples. . .] 15 [. . .] the Prince of the Congregation, and after it will be removed
from you [. . .] 16 [. . .] Blank [. . .] 17 [/s 10:28-32 Go up from the side of Rimmon;]
come up to Aiath; cross [Migron; at Michmash] 18 [make an inspection of the
i86
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4Q161 . 162
weapons; traverse] the gorge; spend the night in Geba; fearful [is Ramah;
Gibeah of] ig [Saul deserts. Raise] your voice, Bat-Gallim; pay attention,
Laishah; answer, Anathoth.] 20 [Retreat,] Madmenah, the residents of Gebiom
flee; this very day [he makes a stopover in Nob,] 21 [already he stretches] his
hand towards the mount of the daughter of Zion, towards the hill of Jerusalem.
[Blank ] 22 [The interpretation of] the word concerns the final days, when the
[king of the Kittim] comes [. . .] 23 [. . .] from his climb from the plain of Akko
to do battle against Palestine. . .] 24 [. . .] and there is none like her, and in all the
cities [...] 25 and up to the boundary of Jerusalem. [...]
Frags. 8-10 col. ill 1 [/s 10:33-34 See! The Lord God of Hosts will rip off the
branches at one wrench; the] tall[est trunks] will be felled, 2 [the loftiest
chopped.] The thickest of the wood [will be cut] with iron and Lebanon, with
its grandeur, 3 [will fall. Its interpretation concerns the] Kittim, who will be
placed in the hands of Israel, and the meek 4 [of the earth...] all the peoples
and all the soldiers will weaken and their heart will melt 5 1 . . . and what it says:
« The] tallest [trunks] will be destroyed* are the soldiers of the Ki[ttim] f> [since
. . .] «and the thickest of the wood will be cut with iron* are 7 [. . .] for the war
of the Kittim. «And Lebanon, with its grandeur, 8 [will fall* are the command-
ers of] the Kittim, who will be placed in the hand of their great [...] 9 [...] in
their flight before Israel, 10 [...] Blank [...] u [/s 11:1-5 A shoot will issue from
the stu]mp of Jesse and [a bud] will sprout from its ro[ot.] Over him [will be
placed] the spifrit] 12 [of the Lord; a spirit] of discretion and wisdom, a spirit
of ad[vice and courage,] a spirit of knowledge 13 [and of respect for the Lord,
and his delight will be in respecting the] Lord. [He will not judge] by appear-
ances 14 [or give verdicts on hearsay alone;] he will judge [the poor with justice
and decide] 15 [with honesty for the humble of the earth. He will destroy the
land with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips] 16 [he will exe-
cute the evil. Justice will be the belt of] his loins and lo[yalty the belt of his
hips.] ij [. . .] Blank [...]?« [The interpretation of the word concerns the shoot]
of David which will sprout [in the final days, since] ig [with the breath of his
lips he will execute] his enemies and God will support him with [the spirit of]
courage [...] 20 [...] throne of glory, [holy] crown and hemmed vestments
21 [...] in his hand. He will rule over all the peoples and Magog 22 [...] his
sword will judge all the peoples. And as for what he says: «He will not 23 [judge
by appearances] or give verdicts on hearsay*, its interpretation: 24 [. . .] accord-
ing to what they teach him, he will judge, and upon his mouth 25 [. . .] with him
will go out one of the priests of renown, holding clothes in his hand
4Qlsaiah Pesher* (4Q162 [ 4QpIs/j |)
Frag. 1 col. I Is 5:5 For now I will tell you what I am going to do with my vine-
4Q162 . 163
PESHARIM
187
yard: 1 [.. .remove its fence so that it can be used for pasture, destroy] its wall
so that you trample it. Is 5:6 For 2 [I will leave it flattened; they shall not prune
it or weed it, brambles and thi[stles] will grow. The interpretation of the word:
that he has deserted them 3 [...] and as for what he says: Is 5:6 «Brambles will
grow, 4 [and thistles»: its interpretation concerns . . .] and what 3 [it says: . . . ]
of the path 6 [. . .] his eyes
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 The interpretation of the word concerns the last days, laying
waste the land through thirst and hunger. This will happen 2 at the time of the
visit to the land. Is 5:11-14 Woe to those who rise early in search of intoxicants
and carry on until by twilight the wine 3 excites them and with zithers, harps,
tambourines and flutes they feast their drunkenness, but they pay no attention
to God’s doings 4 or notice the works of his hands! For this, my people will be
exiled without realising it, their nobles will die of hunger 5 and the ordinary
folk have a raging thirst. For this, the abyss distends its jaws and enlarges its
mouth immeasurably, 6 lowers its nobility and its ordinary people and its revel-
ling throng enters. These are the arrogant men 7 who are in Jerusalem. They
are the ones who: Is 5:24 «Have rejected the law of God and mocked the word
of the Holy One of 8 Israel. Is 5:25 For this the wrath of God has been kindled
against his people and he has stretched out his hand against them and wounded
them. 9 The mountains quake, their corpses lie like dung in the middle of the
streets. In spite of this w [his anger] is not appeased [and his hand continues
to be stretched out]». This is the Congregation of the arrogant men who are in
Jerusalem. 11 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 1 col. in 1 Is 3:29-30 and no-one rips [it out. On that day he will roar
against him] 2 like the ro[ar of the sea. He will look at the earth, see deep dark-
ness, even the light is obscured] 3 by the clofuds...] 4 He is [...] 5 they [...]
6 who co[me. . .] 7 he has said [...]£ they have seen [. . .] 9 ... [. . .]
4Qlsaiah Posher1 (4Q163 [4Qls‘])
Frag. 1 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] he is [...] 3 [...] and mistook the path of [...] 4 [...
for it is] written concerning him in Jerefmiah. . .]
Frags. 2-3 1 [/s 8:7-8 For this, behold, the Lord will bri]ng up against them the
[torrential and violent] water of the river, [the king of Assyria] 2 [and all his
pomp. He will] come up through all the channels and overflow all its banks.
[He will invade Judah, he will flood, he will brim over] 3 [and will reach right
up to the neck.] The opening of his wings will cover the breadth of your land,
[O Emmanuel! The interpretation of the word concerns] 4 [. . .] ... the law; he
is Rezin and the son of [Romeliah. . .]5 [.. . as it is written in [. . .] 6 [.. .] and not
[...]
i88
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4Q163 4-IO
Frags. 4-6 col. 1 14 [7s 9:17-20 Because evil is burning like a fire] which consumes
thistles [and brambles;] it catches fire 15 [in the dense wood and the height] of
the smoke coils upwards. [By the wrath of the God] of Hosts devastated is]
16 [the land and the people is fuel for the fire.] No-one [forgives] his brother,]
17 [he destroys to the right and remains hungry, he consumes] to the left and
is not replete; 18 [a man eats the flesh of his arm. Manasseh against] Ephraim
and Ephraim against 19 [Mana]sseh; [the two] together [against Judah. And with
all this] his wrath is not mollified.
Frags. 4-6 col. 11 1 [7s 10:19 A young man] will count them. [. . .] 2 The interpre-
tation of the word concerns the edict of Babylonia [. . .] 3 the edicts of the peo-
ples [. . .] 4 to betray many. He [. . .] 5 Jerusalem. And what it says: Is 10:19 «The
remainder of the trees of the wood will be a small number and a young man
will count them».] 6 Its interpretation concerns the reduction of men [...]
7 Blank [. . .] 8 Is 10:20-22 On that day it will happen [that the remainder of the
House of Israel and the survivors] 9 of the House of Jacob [will not return to
lean on their aggressor but will lean on the Lord, the Holy One] 10 of Israel, in
truth. A remnant [will return, a remnant of Jacob, to the warrior God.] 1 1 Even
if your people, [Israel] were to be [like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will
return.] 12 The interpretation of the word concerns the fi[nal] days [. . .] 13 they
will go into captivity [...And what] 14 it says: Is 10:21 [«Even if your people,
[Israel] were to be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return.*] 15 Its
interpretation concerns the reduction [. . .] 16 Since it is written: [7s 1 0:22-23 «De-
struction is decreed but justice is overflowing. Because destruction is decreed]
17 the Lord God [of the Hosts will execute it in the midst of the whole earth*]
18 Blank [. . .] 19 is 10:24 Therefore, the Lord Go[d of Hosts say as follows: Do not
fear, my people who live in Zion]
Frags. 8-io 1 [The interpetation of the word] concerns the king of Babylon,
[since ... as it is written: Is 14:8 «The very cypresses] 2 [laugh] at you, and the
cedars of Lebanon. Since [you lie down, the hewer] 3 [does not come up]
against them*. The cypresses and the cedars [of Lebanon are ...] 4 [...] the
Lebanon. And what it says: Is 14:26-27 «This [is the strategy decided for] 5 [all]
the earth and this is the hand [stretched out against all the peoples.] 6 [For the
God] of the Hosts has decided, who will thwart him? His hand is stretched
out,] 7 [who] will push it aside?*. This is ...[...] 8 [as it is written] in the book
of Zechariah ... [Zac 3:9?...] pf...] Blank [...] 10 [...] Blank [...}ii [75 1 4:28-30) In
the year of the deat]h of king Achaz [this oracle was uttered: Do not] rejoice,
12 al[l Philistia,] that the rod [which injured you] is shattered, [because from the
root of the] snake shall [come] 13 [a viper and its fruit will be a] flying [asp. The
most destitute] will be fed [and the poor] 14 [will become safe. I will make your
root die of hunger and he will kill] your remnant. [. . .]
4Q163 11-21
PESHARIM
189
Frag. 11 col. I 2 [...] servants of j [...] they are 4 [...] the insults (?)
5 [•• •] this
Frag. 1 1 col. n 1 Is ig.g-12 those who weave [white cloths. Their masters will be
dismayed, all their] 2 labourers knocked [down. How deranged the princes of
Zoan; the wise advise] 3 Pharaoh with [inane] advice. [How can you say to Pha-
raoh: We are sons of wise men,] 4 we are sons of [ancient ki]ngs? [Where are
your wise men? Let them announce,] 5 [if they know, what the God of Hosts
is planning against Egypt.]
Frags. 15-16 Is 2g: 10-11 [For] ; the Lord pours [upon] you [a breath] of languor
and will blinker [your eyes-the prophets-and] 2 he will cover your heads-the
seers-. For you [any vision] will be [like the text of a] 3 [sea]led [book:] they
give it to someone who can read, tellin[g him: Please read this,] 4 [and he an-
swers: I cannot because] it is sealed. [. . .]
Frags. 18-19 1 Is 2g: 18-23 [°f the book;] without darkness or glo[om the eyes of
the blind will see. The oppressed will return to rejoice in the Lord] 2 [and the
poor]est of men [will delight in the Holy One of Israel. Because the tyrant is
destroyed, the sceptic finished off and] 3 [all | those alert for evil [will be obliter-
ated, those who are going to seize another in speaking and the one who defends
in the gate with snares and, for nothing, engulf] 4 [the innocent.] Therefore, so
says [the Lord to the House of Jacob, he who ransomed Abraham: No longer]
5 [will] Jacob [be ashamed, no longer will his face smile when he sees that his
sons, the work] 6 [of my hands in his midst,] worship my name, because they
wor[ship the Holy One of Jacob.]
Frag. 21 j[. . .] Is 2g: 77 Perhaps, [in a very little while, 2 [ will the Lebanon turn
into] an orchard, and will the orchard] seem like [a wood?] The Lebanon are
[■■■] 3 [•••] into an orchard and they will turn into [...] 4 [...] by the sword. And
what it [says. . .] s [■ • •] • • • [ — ] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .] the teacher off... as it is written:]
7 Zach 11:11 [It was annulled on that day, and] thus the most helpless of the flock
which [was watching me knew] 8 [that it was in fact the word of the Lord.] Blank
[• • •] 9 1*30:1-5 [Woe to the rebellious sons-oracle of the] Lord- who make plans
[without counting] 10 [on me; who sign deals, but] without my spirit, to ad[d
sin] 11 [to sin; who proceed to go do]wn to Egypt [without conferring with me,
to gain strength] 12 [with the strength of the Pharaoh and shelter in the shadow
of Egypt! [Their disgrace will be] 13 [the strength of the Pharaoh, and the
shelter of the shadow of Egypt, [their shame. For in Zoan were] 14 [their
princes, and their messengers] reached Hanes. [They were all ashamed of a]
15 [powerless people which could neither help] nor [oblige...]
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4Q163 . 164
190
Frag. 23 1 [...] and they [...] all 2 [...] Blank [...] 3 Is 30.15-18
[For] thus says yhwh, the Holy One of Israel: By turning back and being
plafcid will you be saved;] 4 your courage will comprise composure and trust.
But you did not wish and sa[id:] 5 No, let us flee on horseback. Well, then, you
need to flee. We will run at a gallop. Well, then 6 those chasing you will run
faster. A thousand [shall flee] before the menace of one, before the menace 7 of
five shall you flee, until you end up like a flagpole on the peak of a mountain,
8 like a standard upon a hill. This is why the Lord waits to take pity on you,
this is why he rises 9 to be lenient with you. For yhwh is a God of justice.
Happy are those waiting for! 10 The interpretation of the word, for the last
days, concerns the congregation of those [looking] for easy interpretations
11 who are in Jerusalem [...] 12 in the law and not [...] 13 the heart, for in order
to crush [...] 14 Hos 6:9 As bandits lie in wait, [the priests scheme]. They have
rejected the law [...] 1 5 Is 30:19-21 [F]or a people living in Zion, [in Jerusalem,
will no longer need to weep; the voice will have pity on you at the sound of]
16 on your cry; when he hears [you he will answer you. Even though the Lord
were to give you measured bread and rationed water,] 17 no longer will he hide
[from your Master, and your eyes will see your Master.] 18 Your ears will [hear
a word at your shoulder which says: This is the path, walk on it,] 19 when you
need to go to the right [or to the left. The interpretation of the word, for the
last days,] 29 concerns the sin of [. . .]
Frag. 25 1 [. . .] the king of Babylon [. . .] 2 [. . .] with tambourines and zithers [. . .]
3 [... downpour and hailstorm, implements of war, they are [...] 4 [...] Blank
[. . .] 5 [Is 31:1 Alas those who go down to] Egypt! In horses [they trust and they
rely on chariots] 6 [beca]use they are numerous, and on cavalry, because they
are very strong, [without regard for] 7 [the H]oly One of Israel or [consulting
yhwh. Blank] 8 [Its interpretation: they] are the people which relies [...]
Frag. 26 1 [Is 32:3-6 No longer] will they call the fool an aristocrat, or treat the
rogue as an aristocrat. For] 2 [the rogue says] roguish things. [His heart plots
crime; he commits evil and speaks deceitfully against] 3 [the Lord, leaves the
hungry person empty and takes water away from the thirsty. . .]
4Qlsaiah Peskier1* (4Q164 |4QpIs‘,|)
Frag. 1 1 [he will trea]t all Israel like «jet» around the eye. Is 54: 1 1 And your foun-
dations are sapphires. [Its interpretation: ] 2 they will found the council of the
Community, the priests and the peo[ple...] 3 the assembly of their elect, like
a sapphire stone in the midst of stones. Is 54:12 [I will place] 4 all your battle-
ments [of rubies]. Its interpretation concerns the twelve [chiefs of the priests
who] 5 illuminate with the judgment of the Urim and the Thummim [.. . with-
4Q165 . i66
PESHARIM
lQl
out] 6 any from among them missing, like the sun in all its light. 1*54:12 And a[ll
your gates of glittering stones.] 7 Its interpretation concerns the chiefs of the
tribes of Israel in the las[t d]ays [. . .] 8 of its lot, their functions [. . .]
4Qlsaiah Posher1, (4Q165 [4QpIsf])
Frags. 1-2 1 ... [...] ... 2 and Jerusalem [...] And what is written: [Is 40:11 «He
carries them on his chest and leads the mothers*.] 3 The interpretation of the
word [concerns the Teacher of Righteousness who] reveals just teaching [. . .Is
40:12 Who has measured the sea in fistfuls,] 4 or [charted] the sky [in palm-
breadths, or the dust] of the earth [by bushels. Who] has weighed [the moun-
tains on the balance or the hills in the scales?]
Frag. 5 1 Is 2i:g-io [and all the statues of their gods has he smashed] to the
ground. [My people, threshed on the threshing floor, what I have heard from
the Lord of Hosts, God] 2 [of Israel, I will tell you.] The interpretation of the
word concerns [. . . ] 3 [Oracle against Dumah: Is 21:1 1-15 Someone sh]outs from
Seir: Watchman, what is left of the [night? Watchman, what is left of the night?
The Watchman replies: Morning will come and also the night. If you wish to
ask, ask,] 4 [come back, return. Oracle against Arabia:] In the scrub of the
steppe shall you spend the night, [caravans of Dedan; take out water to meet
the thirsty, dwellers in the land of Teman, take bread] 5 [to the refugee,
for]/[. . .] he flees in front of the swords/ in front of the unsheathed sword/ in
front of [the taut bow,] / in front of [the fierce fighting. The interpretation of
the word concerns ...] 6 [...] the peoples and the bread [...] 7 [...] lays waste
[...]
Frag. 6 /[•••] the chosen ones of Israel [. . .] 2 [. . .] eternal. And what is written;
[Is 32:5-7 No longer will they call the fool an aristocrat,] 3 [or] treat [the rogue]
as superior. For the rfogue says roguish things and his heart is dedicated to
evil, to commit wicked deeds] 4 [and to speak] absurdities against [the Lord];
to destroy [the soul of the hungry person and take water away from the thirsty.
As for the rogue] 5 [his roguish deeds are] illicit and he hatches plots [to destroy
the poor with lies] 6 [and the helpless who defends] his rights. Its interpretation
concerns [...] 7 [...] ... to the law [...]...[...]
b Commentaries on Hosea
4QHosea Pesher" (4Q166 [4QpHosfl])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1-2 [. . .] 3 [. . .] he will show his hostility 4 [. . .] and they shall com-
miserate 5 [ . . . ] and move far away 6 [ . . . ] Blank 7 [Hos 2:8 Therefore, he will fence
192
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4Ql66 . 167
in your path] with brambles and [he will not find] his footpaths 8 [Its interpre-
tation: with madness,] blindness and confusion 9 [of heart will yhwh mutilate
them . . .] and the era of his betrayal not 10 [. . .] they are the generation of the
visitation 11 [...] the upholders of the covenant. 12 [...] end in the ages of
wrath, because 13 [...] Blank 14 [...] Blank 15 [Hos 2:9 And he will say: I shall go
and return to my fir]st [husband] because 16 [I was better off then than now. Its
interpretation: ...] in the return of the converts 17 [...] pure 18-19 [...]
Col. 11 1 [Hos 2:10 She did not know that] it was I who gave her wheat, [wine]
2 [and oil.] I increased [the silver] and the gold [out of which they] made [idols]
for themselves. [Its interpretation: ] 3 they will ea[t and] be replete and forget
the God of [justice] 4 they will turn their backs on his precepts which he had
sent to them [through the mouth of] 5 his servants, the prophets. They will
listen to those who misdirect them and acclaim them [...] 6 and will revere
them like gods in their blindness. Blank [. . .] 7 Blank [...]§ Has 2:11-12 Because of
this I w ill collect back my wheat in its time and my wine [in its season,] 9 1 will
reclaim my wool and my flax which cover [their nakedness.] 10 Now I will un-
cover her disgrace in the sight of her lovefrs and no-one] 11 will free her from
my hand. Blank [...] 12 Its interpretation: he has punished them with hunger
and with nakedness so they will be shame 13 and disgrace in the eyes of the
nations on whom they relied. But they 14 will not save them from their suffer-
ings. Hos 2:13 I will make an end to her joys, 15 her fea[sts, her new] moons and
her sabbaths and all her celebrations. Its interpretation: 16 they are to determine
[all their celebrations] in agreement with the celebrations of the nations, but
[all] 17 [her joy] will be changed into mourning for them. Hos 2: 14 I will devas-
tate [their vines] 18 [and their fig trees about which she said: they are my wages
[which] 19 [my lovers gave me;] I will turn them into thickets and the [wild
be]asts will eat them.
4QHosea Peshera (4Q167 [4QpIlos/’])
Frag. 2 1 [Hos 3: 13 but he cannot heal] your wound. The interpretation . . .] 2 [. . .]
raging lion. Hos 5:14 For I will be like a lion [to Ephrjaim [and like a lion cub to
the House of] 3 Judah. Its interpretation [concerns] the last priest who will
stretch out his hand to strike Ephraim 4 [. . . his ha]nd. Blank [. . .]5 Hos 5: 15 1 will
go and return to [my position] until they acknowledge their crime and seek my
face; in their distress 6 [they will get up early in search of me. Its interpreta-
tion:] God will hide his face from [the land] 7 [...] and they will not listen [...]
Frags. 5-6 1 [...] the men of [...] 2 [...] their masters [...] upon [...] 3 [H0S6.4
What] shall I do with you, [Ephraim;] what [shall I do with you Judah?...]
4Q167 • 1Q14
PESHARIM
193
Frags. 7-8 1 [ Hos 6.7 They, like Adam,] broke the covenant. Its interpretation:
[••■] 2 [■■■] they deserted God and followed the laws of [...] they in all [...]
F rags. 10 + 26 1 And what [it says]: [Hos 6.9-zo «They commit evils. [In the House
of Israel I have seen something horrifying: there Ephraim prostitutes himself,]
2 Israel [degrades herself»] Its interpretation: [...3 [the evil]doers of the nations
[•■•]■* all the [...]5 upon [...]
Frags. 4 + 8 + 24 z [...Hos 6:11; 7: z Judah, also] a harvest [is ready] for you,
2 [when the bondage of my people changes. The interpretation concerns . . .] on
the day of 3 [. . .] for us 4 [. . .] 5 [. . .] and what 6 [it says: Hos 7:1 «When the bond-
age of my people changes#. Its interpretation concerns . . .] since he will make
7 [...] return [...] and humble [...]
Frags. 11 + 12+13 ’~2 [•■•]...[...] 3 [...] (Hos 8:6) A sculptor made it [and it is not
God.] 4 Its interpretation: they were among the peoples [. . .] j Hos8:6 For shat-
tered to pieces was the ca[lf of Samaria. Its interpretation: . . .] 6 [Is]rael. Hos 8:7-
8 They sow wind and [reap] storms. [It will not have shoots; the stalk will not
have fruit;] 7 [if it did have any,] foreigners would eat it. [They have devoured
Israel. Now they are among the nations like a] 8 usefless pot.] Blank [. . .] 9 The
interpretation [ ...] zo ... [...]
Frags. 15+16 col. 11 z [they shall] return. Hos 8:14 And [Israel] forgot her Maker
and built palaces. And Judah] 2 increased her [fortified ci]ies. But I shall send
fire against her cities and it will consume her palaces.] 3 Blank [...Its
interpretation: [. . .] 4 to be [. . .] each one will collect [. . .] 5 in front [of. . .] God
does not want [...]
C Commentaries on Micah
lQMicah Pesher ( IQ 14 [lQpMic])
Frags. 1-5 1 [Mic 1:2-5 Listen, every people; take notice, earth and what fills it:
the Lord G]od [will be] 2 [a witness] against you [the Lord, from his holy tem-
ple. For behold,] God [leaves] his place 3 [and descends upon the heights of
the earfth. the mountains beneath [him] melt, [and the valleys spli]t a[part,]
4 [like wa]x next to [the fire,] like wat[er poured down a slope.] all [because of
Jacob’s crime,] 5 because of the sins [of the House of Israel. . .]
Frag. 6 z[...] ... [...] 2 [... in the] last [days [....] 3 [...] the glory [...] 4 [...
which] they infringe [...]
194
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4QI4 . 4Q168
Frag. 7 /[...] Perhaps [...] not 2 [...] the simple [...] 3 [...] ... in it [...]
Frag. 10 3 [Mic 1:3-6 What are the ‘high places’ of Judah? Is it not Je]rusa[lem?
I will reduce Samaria] 4 [to a country ruin, to a plot of vines.] The interpreta-
tion of this concerns the Spreader of Lies j [since he has misdirected] simple-
tons. Mic 1:5 ‘What are the “high places” of Judah? 6 [Is it not Jerusalem? The
interpretation of this co]ncerns the Teacher of Righteousness who 7 [teaches
the law to his council] and to all those volunteering to join the chosen of
8 [God, carrying out the law] in the council of the Community, those who will
be saved on the day of 9 [judgment...] ... [...] w [...As for what he says: Mic
1:6-7 I will reduce Samaria] to a country ruin 11 [to a plot of vines; I will tip her
stones into the valley and lay bare her foundations. A]ll her idols
Frag. 11 1 [Mic j.Sand I will wail. Its interpretation concerns the priests of] Jeru-
salem, since they misdirect [...] 2 [...] their enemies. Mic 1:8-9 Barefoot and
na[ked, I will mourn] 3 [as jackals howl and as ostrich young moan. For it has
come as far as Judah, has reached] as far as the gate of my people, as far [as
Jerusalem. 4 [...The interpretation concerns the Teacher of Righteousness,
since he] will judge his enemies [. . .] 5 [. . .] turning to face towards him [. . .]
Frag. 12 1 [. . .] 2 [. . .] his glory of Seir [. . .] 3 [. . . be]cause God will go out from
[...]
Frags. 17+18 1 [...] 2 [Mic 6: 13 ... you shall sow and not] reap, [tread olives]
3 [and not anoint yourself, tread grapes and] not drink wine. [The laws of Omri
are kept] 4 [and all the procedures of the House of Ahab;] you behave according
to his counsels; thus [I shall destroy you] 5 [and hand over your inhabitants to
insult. Its interpretation] concerns the last generation [since...] 6 [...] ... [...]
Frags. 22 + 23 ' [•• •]•■•[■ . .] 2 [. . .] and he will shine 3 [. . .Mic 7:15-17 like the] day
when you left [the land of Egypt] 4 [I will show you marvels. The peoples shall
see it and be ashamed] of all their power, [they shall lift their hands to their
mouth,] 5 [cover their ears, bite the dust like sn]akes and creepy-crawlies [of the
earth.]
4QMicah Pesher (?) (4Q168 [4QpMic(?)])
Frags. 1 + 3 7 [of the daughter of] Jerusalem. [Mic 4:9-12 Now, why do you yell,
complaining? Have you no king? Are you lacking a counsellor?] 2 Since [pain]
has gripped you [like a woman giving birth, have pain and push (it) out, daugh-
ter of Zion, like a woman giving birth, because] 3 now shall you leave the city
[and live on waste ground and go right to Babylon. There you shall be re-
4Q169 1-4 1
PESHARIM
195
deemed. There,] 4 the Lord will free you [from the hand of your enemies. Now
many nations collaborate against you] 5 saying: [be defiled and let us fix our
gaze on Zion. They do not know the plans of the Lord or] 6 [understand] his
plans.
D Commentary on Nahum
4QNahum Pesher (4Q169 [4QpNah])
Frags. 1+2 1 [Nah 1:3 . . . His path is in the hurricane and in the storm, and] a
cloud is the du[st of his feet. Its interpretation: . . .] 2 [the storms and the hurri-
canes], vaults of his skies and his earth which he cr[eated. . .] 3 Nah 1:4 He roars
against the sea and dries it up. Its interpretation: the sea are all the Kit[tim],
since [.. .] 4 to carry out judgment against them and to eliminate them from the
face of [the earth. Nah 1:4 And dries up all the rivers.] 5+ /[Its interpretation
concerns the Kittim]/ with [all their chi]efs, since his rule will end. 5 [Nah 1:4
Bashan and] Carmel [become dry] and the bloom of Lebanon shrivels. [The
interpretation of the word concerns . . . since . . .] 6 many will die for him at the
height of sin. For [the Kittim] are Bas[han, since . . . and his king is called:]
7 [Car]mel and his chiefs: Lebanon; and the bloom of Lebanon is [. . . since . . .]
8 [the sons of his fau]lts, and they will die in front of [...] the chosen of [...]
9 [. . . a]ll the inhabitants of the world. Blank Nah 1:3-6 The mountains quake in
front of him and the hillocks shake,] 10 the earth [rises] in front of him and
before him [the world and a]ll that lives in it. Before his wrath who can endure?
And who] u [can tolerate] the fire of his anger? Its interpretation ...]
Frags. 3 + 4 col. 1 / [. . . Nah 2:12] residence for the wicked of the nations. For a
lion went to go into it, a lion cub 2 [without anyone confining him. Its interpre-
tation concerns Deme]trius, king of Yavan, who wanted to enter Jerusalem on
the advice of the those looking for easy interpretations, 3 [but he did not go in
because God did not deliver Jerusalem] into the hand of the kings of Yavan
from Antiochus up to the appearance of the chiefs of the Kittim. But later, it
will be trampled 4 [. . .] Blank Nah 2:13 The lion catches enough for his cubs and
tears prey apart for his lioness; 5 [he fills his cave with prey and his den with
spoils. The interpretation of the word] concerns the Angry Lion who struck
6 [the simple folk of Ephraim] with his nobles and the men of his counsel. [And
as for what he says: Nah 2:13 «he fills] his cave [with prey] and his den with
spoils», Blank Its interpretation concerns the Angry Lion 7 [who filled his den
with a mass of corpses, carrying out revjenge against those looking for easy
interpretations, who hanged living men 8 [from the tree, committing an atrocity
which had not been committed] in Israel since ancient times, for it is horrible
for the one hanged alive from the tree. Nah 2:14 Here am I against [you]!
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4Q169 4 I — III
196
g Orac[le of the Lord of Hosts. I shall burn your throng in the fire] and the
sword will consume your cubs. I will eradicate] the spoils [from the earth].
Blank 10 and no [longer will the voice of your messengers be heard. Its
interpretation: «Your throng* are his gangs of soldiers [...]; «his cubs» are
u his nobles [and the members of his council, since. . .] and «his spoils* is the
wealth which [the priests of Jerusalem accu]mulated [which] 12 they will deliver
[... E]phraim, will be given Israel [...] Blank
Frags. 3-4 col. 11 1 And his messengers are his emissaries, whose voice will no
longer be heard among the nations. Nah 3:1 Alas the bloody city, all of it
[treachery,] stuffed with loot! 2 Its interpretation: it is the city of Ephraim,
those looking for easy interpretations, in the final days, since they walk in
treachery and lies. 3 Nah 3:1-3 Spoils will not be lacking, nor the noise of the
whip nor the din of colliding w heels. Horses at the gallop, chariots bouncing,
horsemen lunging, flashing [of swords] 4 and flickering of spears! Masses of
wounded and heaps of corpses! Endless corpses, they trip [over] their corpses!
Its interpretation concerns the rule of those looking for easy interpretations,
5 since within his assembly there will no lack of the sword of the gentiles, cap-
tivity or looting, nor fire in among them, nor exile for fear of the enemy, a mass
6 of corpses will fall in their days; there will be no end to the tally of their
wounded and they will even trip over their bodies of flesh because of his mis-
taken counsel. 7 Nah 3:4 On account of the many fornications of the prostitute,
full of elegance and mistress of enchantment, who misleads nations with her
sorceries. Blank 8 [Its] interpretation concerns those who misdirect Ephraim,
who with their fraudulent teaching and lying tongue and perfidious lip misdi-
rect many; 9 kings, princes, priests and people together with the proselyte at-
tached to them. Cities and clans will perish through his advice, nobles and
le[aders] 10 will fall [due to the fero]city of their tongues. Blank Nah 3:5 See, here
am I against you! -oracle of the Lord of Ar[mies]-You shall hoist u [your]
skirts up to your face and show the nations [your] nudity and kings your shame.
Its interpretation [. . .] 12 [. . .] the cities of (the) East, because «the skirts* [. . .]
Frags. 3-4 col. in / The nations with their uncleanness [and the re]fuse of their
monstrosities. Nah 3:6 I will throw refuse on top of you, affront you and make
you 2 odious. Nah 3:7 And what will happen is that all those who see you will
run away from you. Blank 3 Its interpretation concerns those looking for easy
interpretations, whose evil deeds will be exposed to all Israel in the final time
4 and many will fathom their sin, they will hate them and loathes them for their
reprehensible arrogance. And when the glory of Judah is revealed 5 the simple
people of Ephraim will flee from among their assembly and desert the ones
who misdirected them and will join the [whole of Is]rael. Nah 3: 7 They shall say:
6 Nineveh is laid waste, who will be sorry for her? Where shall I find comfort-
4Q163 ■ lQpHab 1
PESHARIM
197
ers for you? Its interpretation concerns those looking for 7 easy interpretations,
whose council will die and whose society will be disbanded; they shall not con-
tinue misdirecting the assembly and simple [folk] shall no longer support their
advice. Nah 3:8 Do you act better than Am[mon, seated between] the Niles?
Blank 9 Its interpretation: Amon is Manasseh and the Niles are the important
people of Manasseh, the nobles of the [people who surround Ma[nasseh] 10 Nah
3:8 Water surrounds the one whose rampart was the sea, and the water her
walls. Blank 11 Its interpretation: they are her men at arms, her mighty warriors.
Nah 3:g Ethiopia was her strength [and Egypt, without end.] 12 [Its interpreta-
tion . . .] Nah 3:g Put and Libya [were her guards]
Frags. 3-4 col. iv 1 Its interpretation: they are the wick[ed people of Judah], the
house of Peleg, which consorted with Manasseh. Nah 3:10 She, too, fled to exile,
[walked to captivity, also] 2 her children were dashed to pieces at every cross-
road and for their nobles they cast lots and all [their] important people [were
loaded] 3 with chains. Its interpretation concerns Manasseh, in the last time,
since his control over Isfrael] will weaken [. . .] 4 his women, his children and his
babies will go into captivity, his warriors and his nobles [will fall] by the sword.
[Nah 3:11 You, too, will get drunk] 5 and hide away. Blank Its interpretation con-
cerns the wicked of E[phraim who . . .] 6 since its cup will come after Manasseh
[. . .Nah 3: n You, too, will seek] 7 a hideout in the city from the enemy. Its inter-
pretation [concerns . ..] 8 their enemies in the city, [... Nah 3:12 All their for-
tresses] 9 are fig-trees [laden with figs. . .]
Frags. 3-4 col. v 1 [Nah 3: 13 Look, your people are ] women a[mong you. The
gates of your land are wide open to your enemy, fire has devoured your bars.]
2 [The interpretation ...] the whole border of Israel to the sea [... Nah 3:14
Stock up with water for the siege;] 3 [reinforce] your defences; tread mud [and
stamp on clay, put it in the mould . . .]
E Commentary on Habakkuk
lQHabakkuk Pesher (lQpHab)
Col. 1 1 [Hah 1.1-2 Oracle received by the prophet Habakkuk in a vision. For how
long, yhwh] will I ask for help without 2 [you hearing me; shout: Violence! to
you without you saving me? The interpretation of this concerns the beginning
of the 3 [final] 2 generation 3 [...] upon them 4 [.. .they] will shout against 5 [...
Hab 1:3a Why do you make me see misdeeds and] show [me to]il? Blank 6 [The
interpretation ...] of God with persecution and betrayal. 7 [...Hab 1:3b you set
violence and destruction in front of me and brawls occur and quarrels arise].
Blank 8 [The interpretation . . .] spoils [. . .] and brawls 9 [. . . argument and they
EXEGETICAI. LITERATURE
lQpHab I -IV
198
[think] destruction 10 [...] Hab 1:4a For the Law falls into abeyance. zz [The
interpretation . . .] that they have rejected the Law of God. 1 2 [Hab i:4bc And
justice does not emerge as the winner, for the evildoer acc]osts the upright
man. Blank 13 [Its interpretation: the evildoer is the Wicked Priest and the up-
right man] is the Teacher of Righteousness 14 [who ... Hab 1:41 1 This] is why
justice emerges 15 [distorted. The interpretation... ] and not [...]
Col. 11 1 Hab 1:5 you reported it. Blank [The interpretation of the word concerns]
the traitors with the Man of 2 Lies, since they do not [believe in the words of
the] Teacher of Righteousness from the mouth of 3 God; (and it concerns) the
traito[rs of the] new [covenant] since they did not 4 believe in the covenant of
God [and dishonoured] his holy name. 5 Likewise: Blank The interpretation of
the word [concerns the trai]tors in the 6 last days. They shall be violators of
[the coven]ant who will not believe 7 when they hear all that is going [to happen
to] the final generation, from the mouth of the 8 Priest whom God has placed
wi[thin the Community,] to foretell the fulfilment of all 9 the words of his ser-
vants, the prophets, [by] means of whom God has declared 10 all that is going
to happen to his people [Israel]. Hab 1:6 For see, I will mobilize u the
Chaldaeans, a cru[el and determined] people. Blank 12 Its interpretation con-
cerns the Kittim, who are swift and powerful 13 in battle, to slay many [with
the edge of the sword] in the kingdom of 14 the Kittim; they will vanquish
[many countries] and will not believe 13 in the precepts of [God . . .] 16 and [. . .]
Col. hi z and they will advance over the plain, to destroy and pillage the cities
of the country. 2 For this is what he has said: Hab 1:6 «To vanquish foreign
habitations*. Hab 1. 7 It is terrible 3 and terrible; from his very self his justice
and his preeminence arise. Blank 4 The interpretation of this concerns the
Kittim, due to the fear and dread they provoke in all 5 /the peoples;/ their
intrigues are planned ahead, and with cunning and treachery 6 they behave
towards all the peoples. Hab 1:8 Their horsemen are swifter than panthers; they
are more savage 7 than wolves at night. Blank Their riders leap and hurl them-
selves from afar. 8 They will fly like the eagle stooping to gorge itself. Hab 1:9
All of them resort to force; the breath of 9 their faces is like the East wind. Blank
[Its interpretation concerns the Kittim, who 10 trample the land with their
horses and their animals zz and come from far off, from the islands of the sea,
to devour all the peoples, like an eagle, 12 insatiable. With fury [they will as-
semble, and with bu]rning wrath 13 and livid faces they will speak to all [the
peoples.] For this is what 14 he has said: [Hab 1:9 The breath of their faces is like
the East wind. And they amass] captives [like sa]nd. 15 [The interpretation of
this [...]
Col. iv z Hab 1: 10a they sneer [at kings] and mock leaders. Blank Its interpretation:
lQpHab iv-vi
PESHARIM
199
2 they deride the powerful and despise the honoured men; at kings j and
princes they mock, and sneer at a great people. Hab 1:10b And he 4 laughs at all
the strong fortresses, rams down earth and captures it. 5 The interpretation of
this concerns the leaders of the Kittim, who despise the 6 fortresses of the peo-
ples and with disdain laugh at them, 7 they surround them with a huge army
to capture them. And through dread and fear 8 they surrender to their hands,
and they demolish them because of the wickedness of their occupants. 9 Hab
1:11 Then the wind changed and went on. He made his might 10 his God. Blank
The interpretation of this concerns the leaders of the Kittim, 11 who on the
resolution of the House of Blafme] go by, one 12 in front of the other. [Their]
leaders, one after another, will come 13 to raze the earth. Hab 1:11 He [made] his
might his God. 14 Its interpretation [...] to the peoples 15 [...]
Col. v 1 [Hab i:i2b-i3a You have appointed him to judge: Rock, you have installed
him to correct. Your eyes are too pure 2 to be looking at evil, you cannot be
staring at tyranny. Blank 3 Interpretation of the word: God is not to destroy his
people at the hand of nations, 4 but by means of his chosen ones God will
judge all the nations; 5 all the evildoers of his people will be pronounced guilty
for the reproof of those who kept his commandments 6 in their hardship. For
this is what he has said: Hab 1:13a «Your eyes are too pure to look 7 at evil». Blank
Its interpretation: his eyes have not drawn them to licentiousness in the era of
8 wickedness. Hab 1:13b Why are you staring, traitors, and you maintain your
silence when 9 a wicked person consumes someone more upright than himself?
Blank Its interpretation concerns the House of Absalom 10 and the members of
his council, who kept silent at the time of the reproach of the Teacher of Righ-
teousness, 11 and did not help him against the Man of Lies, Blank who rejected
12 the Law in the midst of their whole Comm[unity.] Hab 1:14-16 You made man
like fish of the sea, 13 like a reptile, to govern him. All of [them] he removes
[with a fish]-hook, catches in a net 14 and collects in [a seine. This is why he
offers sacrifices to his net; this is why he rejoices 15 fand is happy and burns
incense to his seine; since by them] his portion is fat 16 [and his food rich...]
Col. vi 1 of the Kittim, and they will garner their wealth with all their loot 2 like
the fish of the sea. And what it says: Hab 1:16a For this he sacrifices to his net
3 and burns incense to his seine. Blank Its interpretation: they 4 offer sacrifices
to their standards and their weapons are 5 the object of their worship. Hab 1.16b
Since by them his portion is fat and his food rich. Its interpretation: they have
shared out their yoke and 7 their burden, which is their food, among all the
peoples, year after year, ravaging many countries. Hab 1:17 For this he continu-
ally unsheathes his sword 9 to kill peoples without pity. Blank 10 Its interpreta-
tion concerns the Kittim who will cause many to die by the edge of the sword,
1 1 youths, adults and old people, women and children; not even 12 children at
200
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
lQpHab VI -IX
the breast will they pity. Hab 2:1-2 I will stand firm in my sentry-post, 13 I will
position myself in my fortress to see what he says to me, 14 what he answers to
my allegation, yhwh answered me is and said: Write the vision; inscribe it on
tablets so that 16 [he who reads it] takes it on the run. Hab 2: 1-2 [. . .]
Col. vn 1 And God told Habakkuk to write what was going to happen 2 to the
last generation, but he did not let him know the end of the age. 3 Blank And as
for what he says: Hab 2: 2] «So that the one who reads it /may run/». 4 Its inter-
pretation concerns the Teacher of Righteousness, to whom God has disclosed
5 all the mysteries of the words of his servants, the prophets. Hab 2:3 For the
vision has an appointed time, it will have an end and not fail. Blank 7 Its inter-
pretation: the final age will be extended and go beyond all that 8 the prophets
say, because the mysteries of God are wonderful. 9 Hab 2:3b Though it might
delay, wait for it; it definitely has to come and will not 10 delay. Blank Its inter-
pretation concerns the men of truth, 11 those who observe the Law, whose
hands will not desert the service 12 of truth when the final age is extended be-
yond them, because 13 all the ages of God will come at the right time, as he
established 14 for them in the mysteries of his prudence. Hab 2:4 See, 1 5 [his
soul within him] is conceited and does not give way. Blank Its interpretation:
they will double 16 [persecution] upon them [and find no mercy] at being
judged. Blank
Col. viii z Its interpretation concerns all observing the Law in the House of
Judah, whom 2 God will free from punishment on account of their deeds and
of their loyalty 3 to the Teacher of Righteousness. Hab 2:5-6 Surely wealth will
corrupt the boaster 4 and one who distends his jaws like the abyss and is as
greedy as death will not be restrained. 5 All the nations ally against him, all the
peoples collaborate against him. 6 Are they not all, perhaps, going to chant
verses against him, explaining riddles at his expense? 7 They shall say: Ah, one
who amasses the wealth of others! How long will he load himself 8 with debts?
Blank Its interpretation concerns the Wicked Priest, who 9 is called by the name
of loyalty at the start of his office. However, when he ruled 10 over Israel his
heart became conceited, he deserted God and betrayed the laws for the sake of
n riches. And he stole and hoarded wealth from the brutal men who had re-
belled against God. 12 And he seized public money, incurring additional serious
sin. 13 And he performed repulsive acts of every type of filthy licentiousness.
Hab 2:7-8 Will 14 your creditors not suddenly get up, and those who shake you
wake up? You will be their prey. 13 Since you pillaged many countries the rest
of the peoples will pillage you. 16 Blank The interpretation of the word concerns
the Priest who rebelled 17 [...] the precepts of [God...]
Col. ix 1 being distressed by the punishments of sin; the horrors of 2 terrifying
lQpHab ix-xi
PESHARIM
201
maladies acted upon him, as well as vengeful acts on his fleshly body. And what
3 it says: Hab 2:8a «Since you pillaged many countries the rest of the peoples will
pillage you». Blank Its interpretation concerns the last priests of Jerusalem,
5 who will accumulate riches and loot from plundering the peoples. 6 However,
in the last days their riches and their loot will fall into the hands 7 of the army
of the Kittim. Blank For they are Hab 2:8a «the greatest of the peoples*. 8 Hab 2:8b
For the human blood [spilt] and the violence done to the country, the city and
all its /occupants/. Blank 9 Its interpretation concerns the Wicked Priest, since
for the wickedness against the Teacher of 10 Righteousness and the members
ot his council God delivered him into the hands of his enemies to disgrace him
17 with a punishment, to destroy him with bitterness of soul for having acted
wickedly 12 against his elect. Hab 2:g-n Woe to anyone putting ill-gotten gains
in his house, placing 13 his nest high up to escape the power of evil! You have
planned the insult 14 to your house, exterminating many countries and sinning
against your soul. For 13 the stones will shout from the walls, and the wooden
beams will answer. 16 [The interpretation of the quo]te concerns the [priest]
who [...]
Col. x 1 for its stone to be for repression and the beam of its wood for pillage.
And what 2 it says: Hab 2:10 ((Exterminating many countries and sinning against
your soul». Blank 3 Its interpretation: it is the house of judgment, for God will
give 4 his judgment among many countries and from there will lead him to
punishment. 5 And in their midst he will proclaim him guilty and will punish
him with sulphurous fire. Hab 2: 12-13 Woe 6 to him who builds a city with blood
and founds a town on a misdeed! Does 7 this not stem from yhwh of Hosts?
The peoples wear themselves out for fire and 8 the nations are exhausted for
nothing. Blank 9 The interpretation of the word concerns the Spreader of De-
ceit, who has misdirected many, 10 building a useless city with blood and erect-
ing a community by subterfuge 11 for his own renown, wearing out many by
useless work and by making them conceive 12 acts of deceit, so that their
labours are for nothing; so that 13 those who derided and insulted God’s chosen
will go to the punishment of fire. 14 Hab 2:14 For the earth will become full of
the knowledge of yhwh’s glory just as water 15 fills the sea. Blank Interpreta-
tion of the word: 16 in his return [. . .]
Col. xi 1 deceit. Afterwards, knowledge will be revealed to them, as plentiful as
the water 2 in the sea. Hab 2: 15 Woe to anyone making his companion drunk,
spilling out 3 his anger! He even makes him drunk to look at their festivals!
4 Blank Its interpretation concerns the Wicked Priest who 5 pursued the Teach-
er of Righteousness to consume him with the ferocity 6 of his anger in the
place of his banishment, in festival time, during the rest 7 of the day of Atone-
ment. He paraded in front of them, to consume them 8 and make them fall on
202
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
lQpHab . 1Q15
the day of fasting, the sabbath of their rest. Hab 2:16 You are more glutted
9 with insults than with awards. Drink up also and stagger! 10 The cup of
yhwh’s right hand will turn against you and disgrace come n upon your glory.
Blank 12 Its interpretation concerns the Priest whose shame has exceeded his
glory 13 because he did not circumcise the foreskin of his heart and has walked
on paths of 14 drunkenness to slake his thirst; but the cup of 1 5 God’s anger
will engulf him, heaping up [shame upon him.] And the pain
Col. xii 7 Hab 2:17 will appal you owing to the human blood and the violence
(against) the country, the city and all its occupants. 2 The interpretation of the
word concerns the Wicked Priest, to pay him the 3 reward for what he did to
the poor. Because Lebanon is 4 the Council of the Community and the Animals
are the simple folk: of Judah, those who observe 5 the Law. God will sentence
him to destruction, Blank 6 exactly as he intended to destroy the poor. And as
for what he says: Hab 2:17 «Owing to the blood 7 of the city and the violence
(against) the country». Its interpretation: the city is Jerusalem 8 since in it the
/Wicked/ Priest performed repulsive acts and defiled 9 the Sanctuary of God.
The violence against the country are the cities of Judah which 10 he plundered
of the possessions of the poor. Hab 2:18 What use is the sculpture which the
craftsman carves, 77 (or) the cast effigy and sham oracle, in whom their crafts-
man trusts, 72 to make dumb idols? The interpretation of the word concerns all
the 7 s idols of the nations which they made, to serve them and bow down 14 in
front of them. But they will not save them on the day of Judgment. Hab 2:19
Woe 75 to anyone [saying to wo]od: Wake up! and to a silent stone: [Get up!]
Col. xiii 7 Hab 2:20 Silence in his presence, all the world! Its interpretation con-
cerns all the nations 2 which serve stone and wood. However, (on) the day 3 of
judgment God will obliterate all the worshippers of idols, 4 and all the wicked,
from the earth. Blank 5-15 Blank
F Commentaries on Zephaniah
tQZephaniah Pesher (1Q15 [lQpZeph])
[7 Zeph 1:18 . . . with the fire of] his zeal [all the earth] will be consumed; [because
unquestionably he will cause the devastation,] 2 [the obliteration of all the
inhabitants of the earth. Zeph 2:1-2 Gather together [and huddle up, people,
/[before you scatter like] chaff which passes in one day/ 3 [without shame,
before] the fire of the Lord’s wrath [overtakes you,] 4 [before the day of] the
Lord’s wrath [overtakes you.] The interpretation 5 [of the word concerns all the
occupants] of the land of Judah, since [...] 6 [...] will be [...]
5Qio . 4Q170-171
PESHARIM
203
4QZephaniah Pesher (4Q170 [4QpZeph])
1 [Zeph 1:12-13 . . .] yhwh [does not do] good and does not do evil. [Their wealth]
will be plundered [and their houses flattened. . .] 2 [...] he cannot [.. .] Its inter-
pretation [concerns ...]
G Commentary on Malachi
SQMalachi Pesher (5Q10 [5QpMal(?)])
1 [Mai 1:14 Curse the cheat who has a male in his flock and offers a] maimed
[victim] to the L[ord.] 2 [Its interpretation concerns those . . . who] make fun of
animals [...] 3 [...] Mai 1:14 Because I am the Great King, s[ays] 4 [yhwh of
Hosts, and my name is feared among the peoples. Its interpretation:] he is a
living God and [...]5 [...]...[...]
H Commentaries on the Psalms
4QPsalms Peshera (4Q171 [4QpPsa])
Col. 1 20 [ft 37:6 ... He will make your justice come out like the dawn and your
rights like] midday. 21 [Its interpretation concerns the congregation of the poor
who are ready to do] the will of 22 [God. . .] the arrogant ones choose 23 [. . . who
l]ove slovenliness and mislead 24 [...] wickedness at the hands of E[phra]im.
Blank 25 [ft 37:7 Be si]lent before [yhwh and] hope in him, do not be annoyed
with one who is affluent, with someone who 26 [hatches] plots. Its [interpreta-
tion] concerns the Man of Lies who misled many with 27 deceptive words since
they thought up absurdities and [did not] listen to the Interpreter of knowl-
edge. This is why
Col. 11 1 they will die by the sword, by hunger and by plague. Ps 37:8-9 Curb
anger and control temper and do not get 2 exasperated; it only leads to evil and
those doing evil will be cut off. Its interpretation concerns all who converted
3 to the law, who do not reject their separation from their wickedness, for all
the rebels 4 to convert from their sin will be cut off. Ps 37:9 And those who hope
in yhwh will inherit the land. Its interpretation: 5 they are the congregation of
his elect who carry out his will, ft 37:10 A short while yet and the wicked will
no longer exist. 6 Blank 7 Ps 37:10 I will stare at his place and he will no longer be
there. Its interpretation concerns all the evil at the end 8 of the forty years, for
they shall be devoured and upon the earth no wicked person will be found.
9 Ps 37:11 And the poor shall inherit the land and enjoy peace in plenty. Its in-
terpretation concerns 10 the congregation of the poor who will tolerate the pe-
204
EXEGETICAI. LITERATURE
4Q171 II — III
riod of distress and will be rescued from all the snares of 11 Belial. Afterwards,
all who shall inherit the land will enjoy and grow fat with everything. . . 72 of
the flesh. Blank 13 Ps 37: 12-13 The wicked plots against the just person, grinding
[his teeth] agafinst him;] yhwh laughs at him because he sees 14 that his day is
coming. Its interpretation alludes to the ruthless ones of the covenant who are
in the House of Judah, who 75 plot to destroy those who observe the law, who
are in the Community Council. But God will not surrender them 16 into their
hands. Ps 37:14-13 The evildoers unsheathe the sword and discharge their bows
to bring down the poor and humble, 1 7 to murder those on the correct path.
Their swords shall pierce their own hearts and their bows shall break. 18 Its
interpretation concerns the wicked of Ephraim and Manasseh who will attempt
to lay hands ig on the Priest and the members of his council in the period of
testing which will come upon to them. However, God will save them 20 from
their hands and after they will be delivered into the hands of dreadful nations
for judgment. 21 Blank 22 Ps 33:16 Better is the little for the just man than the
plenty of the many wicked. [Its interpretation concerns . . .] 23 who observes the
law, who does not [...] 24 for evil things. Ps 37:17-18 For the arms [of wicked
men will be broken, but yhwh supports just men] 25 yh[wh knows the days
of perfect men and their inheritance will last for ever. Its interpretation con-
cerns . . .] 26 [their] will [...] 27 [ft 37:19 They shall not] be ashamed in [the evil
time. Its interpretation concerns...]
Col. ill 7 those who have returned from the wilderness, who will live for a thou-
sand generations, in safety; for them there is all the inheritance of 2 Adam and
for his descendants for ever, ft 37:19-20 And in the days of famine they shall be
replete; for the wicked 3 shall die. Its interpretation: he will keep them alive
during the famine of the time of [distress, when many 4 will die because of
famine and plague: all who did not leave [there] with 5 the congregation of his
chosen ones. / Blank Ps 37:20 Whoever loves yhwh will be like precious lambs.
Its interpretation [concerns. . .]/ who will be chiefs and princes over [the whole
congregation, like shepherds] 6 of ewes in among their flocks. Blank [...] 7 Ps
37:20 Like smoke they all vanish. [Its] interpretation concerns the wicked
princes who 8 oppress his holy people, who will die like smoke which
disappears in the w]ind. Ps 37:21-22 The wicked asks for a loan but does not pay,
g while the just man is sympathetic and gives. For those who are blessed by
him shall inherit the earth, but those who are cursed by him shall be cut off.
70 Its interpretation concerns the congregation of the poor [for of them is] the
inheritance of the whole wor[ld. 11 They will inherit the high mountain of
Israel [and] delight [in his] holy [mou]ntain, «but those who are [cursed by him
72 will be cut off». These are the ruthless ones of the cofvenant, the wicke]d
men of Israel who will be cut off and exterminated 13 for ever. Blank 14 Ps 37:23-
24 For by yhwh [the steps of a man] are secure; he delights in his path: even
4Q171 III— IV
PESHARIM
205
though he stumbles he will not 13 fall, for yhwh [supports his hand]. Its inter-
pretation concerns the Priest, the Teacher of [Righteousness, whom] 16 God
chose to stand [in front of him, for] he installed him to found the congregation
[of his chosen ones] for him, 13 [and straightened out his path, in truth, ft
37:25-26 I used to be [young] and am old now; yet I have [not] seen [a just per-
son] 18 deserted or his offspring begging for bread. [Daily] he has compassion
and makes loans, and his offspring is blessed. The interpretation] ig of the
word concerns the Teac[her of Righteousness who ...] 20 and [. . .]
Col. iv 1 judgment and does not desert his devout ones. They shall be annihi-
lated for ever and the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. Its interpretation:
] they are the ruthless ones 2 [of the covenant who. . .] the law. Ps 37:29 The just
[will inherit the earth and live] on it [for] ever. 3 [Its interpretation. . . they shall
inherit the earth] over a thousand [generations, ft 37:30-31 The mouth of the
just man utters] wisdom and his tongue speaks 4 [justice; the law of his God is
in his heart; his steps will not falter. Its interpretation concerns ...] of the
truth, who speaks 5 [. . .] announces them. Blank 6 Blank 7 Ps 37:32-33 The wicked
person spies on the just person and tries [to kill him. yh]wh [will not relin-
quish him into his hand, or] permit them to convict him when he is judged.
8 Its interpretation concerns the [Wic]ked Priest, who spies on the just man
[and wants] to kill him [...] and the law g which sent him; but [God will not
desert him] or permit them to convict him when he is judged. But [God] will
pay [him] his reward, delivering him w into the hands of dreadful nations so
that they can carry out [vengeance] upon him. [fts 37:34 Wait for yhwh] and
observe his path and he will promote you, so that you inherit u the earth; and
you shall see the destruction of the wicked. [Its interpretation concerns the
community of the poor] who will see the judgment of evil, and with 12 his cho-
sen one will rejoice in the true inheritance. Blank 13 Ps 37:35-36 I saw a dreadful
wicked man, who displayed himself [like a leafy tree.] I passed by his place [and
he no longer existed; I looked for him] and did not 14 [find him. Its interpreta-
tion alludes] to the Man of Lies [who . . .] ... against God’s chosen [and tried]
to end with 15 [...]...[...] to carry out judgment [against him] [...] he acted
impertinently with an arrogant hand 16 [...] ... | ft 37:37 Observe the man of
integrity and watch] the upright man, [for there is a future for the man] of
peace. Its interpretation concerns 17 [. . .] ... [. . .] peace. Ps 37:38 But the rebels
18 will be obliterated together, and the future of the [wicked will end up sev-
ered. Its interpretation concerns the traitors with the Man of Lies who] will die
and be cut off ig from among the congregation of the Community, [ft J7. J9 The
salvation of just men comes from yhwh. He is their refuge in the moment of
danger, yhwh assists them] 20 and rescues them and delivers them from the
wicked [and saves them, because they take refuge in him. Its interpretation . . .]
21 God will save them and free them from the hand of the wicked [. . .] 22 Blank
206
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
iqi6 . 4Q173
23 Ps 45:1 To the choirmaster. According to the Liflies. A Maskil of the sons of
Korah. Love-song. Its interpretation: ] They are the seven divisions of 24 the
converts of Isjrael who ...] [Ps 45:2] My heart [overflows with a good poem,
25 I refcite my verses to the king. Its interpretation ...] of the holy spirit, for
26 [. . .] the books of [. . .] Blank Ps 45:2 And my tongue is the pen of 27 fa speedy
scribe. Its interpretation concerns] the Teacher of [Righteousness...] before
God with eloquent tongue
Col. v [and] with influential] mouth [...] to return together to the law w[ith a
whole heart...] 2 [...] ... [...] the chosen of Israel [...]
Frag. 13 j [[...]...[...] 2 [. . .] Blank [. . .] 3 [ft 60: 8-q = Ps io8:8-g G]od spoke [in his
sanctuary: I will exult, I will divide up Shechem,] 4 parcel out [the Valley of
Suc]coth; mine is [Gilead and mine Manasseh, and Ephraim is the helmet of
my head.] 5 [Its interpretation concerns Gi]lead and to the half tribe [of Manas-
seh which ...] 6 [...] they will be reunited [...]
tQPsalms Pesher (1Q16 [tQpPs])
Frags. 3-4 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] ... they acknowledged ...[...] they observed [...]
3 [...] ... Ps 68:13 the kings of the armies go flfeeing, go fleeing; she who lives
at home shares out the loot.] Its interpretation: the ho[me is ...] 4 [...] ... the
grandeur [...]5 [...] which they share out [...] 6 [...] ...
Frag. 8 1 [Ps 68:26 In the middle go the girls playing tambourines.] Bless G[od]
in choirs. [The interpretation ...]2[... the ble]ssing of hope for blessing ...[...]
Frag. 9 1 [Ps 68:30 To your temple, to Jerusalem, kings bring] gifts. Its interpre-
tation concerns all the ...[...] 2 [...] before him in Jerusalem. Ps 68:31 Rebuke
the savage [beast of the reedbed;] 3 [the herd of bulls are the calves of the peo-
ples, who proceed with ingots of] silver. Its interpretation: the savage beast of
the ree[dbed is] 4 [. . .the Kitjtim for ...[...]
4QPsalms Pesher* (4Q173 [4QpPs*])
Frag. 1 /[...]...[...] 2 [...] who looked for [...] 3 [...]... of the Teacher of
Righteousness [. . .] 4 [. . . pri]est in the final era [. . .] 5 [. . .] Blank [. . .] 6 [. . .] and
the fever, the inheritance of [...]
Frag. 2 /[...] Blank The interpretation of the quotation. . .] 2 [. . .the Te]acher of
Righteousness...]
4Q173 3-4
PESHARIM
207
Frag. 3 1 the man [...] 2 [...] who will be ...[
ashamed ...[•••]
] 3 [. . .] they shall not be
Frag. 4 1 [ft i2g.y-8 which does not] fill the hand of the reaper or [the armful of
the one who binds, nor do those who pass by say to him:] 2 [«May yh]wh
ble[ss] you. [We bless you in the name of yhwh . . .] 3 [. . .] the wicked [...]...
208
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4QI76
4 Other texts
4QTanhumin (4Q176 [4QTanh])
Frags. 1-2 col. 1 1 Perform your marvel, do your people justice and ... [...]
2 your temple. Argue with kingdoms over the blood of [...] j Jerusalem. See
the corpses of your priests [. . .] 4 there is no-one to bury them. And of the book
of Isaiah: Words of consolation. [Is 40:1-5 Be consoled, consoled, my people!]
5 says your God; speak to the heart of Jerusalem and shofut to her that her
service is done,] that 6 her fault has been forgiven, that from the hand of ****
she has received double for all her sins. A voice shouts: 7 in the wilderness clear
the path of ****, straighten out a roadway for our God in the [the ste]ppe.
Every valley is to be raised, 8 [and every mountain and hi]ll to be flattened; the
rough terrain is to be made into a plain, [and the peaks into] a plateau, 9 [And
the] glory of **** [will be revealed.] Is 48:1-9 But you, Israel, are my servant,
Jafcob, whom I cho]se, 10 [seed of Abra]ham, my favourite, whom I took [from
the en]ds of the earth, and [whom I called] from faraway lands; n and I [said]
to you: You are my servant, [I chose you and did not reje[ct] you!
Frags. 1-2 col. 11 1 [**** who are] loyal, the holy one of Isr[rael, and he has
chosen you. Is 40: 13-13 Celebrate, heavens, rejoice, earth;] 2 erupt with applause,
mountains! For God has consoled [his people, and has compassion on his poor.
But Zion said:] 3 **** has deserted me [and my Lord has forgotten me. Does
a woman, perhaps, forget her suckling child, stop having compassion for the
fruit of her womb?] 4 Even should she forget, [I will not forget you! See, I have
inscribed you on the palms of my hand,] 5 your ramparts [are always before me.
Your rebuilders are in a hurry, your wreckers and your destroyers] 6 depart
from you. [...]
Frags. 9-11 7. ..[...]... Blank 2 [Ls 52: 1-3 Wake up, wake up, put on strength,]
Zion; put [on your party clothes, Jerusalem, holy city, for 3 [no longer will
either uncircumcised or unclean enter you! Shake the dust from yourself, get
u]p, be seated, Jerusalem, undo 4 [the fetters from your neck,] prisoner, [daugh-
ter of Zion! For so] says [****: For nothing have you been sold, and without]
money will you be ransomed. 5 [ Blank ?] 1154:4-10 Do not fear, [for] you will {}
not be ashamfed, do not smile, for] you will not be insulted. Because the indig-
nity of 6 [your spinst]erhood you are to forget and the humiliation of your wid-
owhood you are [not] to remember any more. For your husband will be your
maker, **** 7 [Seba’ot] is his name, your redeemer will be the Holy One of
Is[rael, the one] called [God of all the ea]rth. Because, as a woman, abandoned
8 [and troubled in] spirit has **** called you; and the wife of youth, why
should she be discarded? says **** your God. 9 [A] short [moment] I deserted
4Q176 . 177 i
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209
you, but with great compassion I will take you back. In a fit of anger [I hid my
face] 10 from you [for a moment,] but with everlasting tenderness I took pity on
you, says **** your redeemer. As in (the) days of Noah will this be for me; as
11 [I swore] that the waters of Noah would not flood the earth, so have I sworn
not to become angry with you again or threaten you. 12 Should [even the
mountains move or the hills wobble, my compassion will not shift from you
[...] 13 [...] Blank Lose hope (?) until the words of comfort and of great glory.
It is written in [. . .] 14 [. . .] among those who love [. . .] no longer since the time
of [...] Blank 15 [Beli]al to oppress his servants by [...] 16 [...] will rejoice [...]
I will raise her who lies [. . .] 17 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frags. 16+17+18 + 22 + 23 + 53 1 and [. . .] Blank And how much more in the
temple [...] the possession of his hand, for [man] is not vindicated 2 before
[him.] Because he created every [spirit] of the eternal generations, [and with]
his commandment [he established] all the paths. The earth 3 he created [with
his rigjht (hand) before it existed, and he continually supervises everything
[there is in it. And in his] mystery he causes the lot to fall on man in order to
give [. . .] 4 [. . .] with the angel of [. . .] holy, and in order to give man’s reward
bef[ore] 5 [. . .] eight [. . .] over those who love him and over those who keep his
commandmen[ts.] 6 [. . .] he showed himself to us since ...[...] forget his cove-
nant. Blank And to[.. .]/[...] the Law [. . .] changes in order to be [...]<?[.. .] the
Law [. . .] completing them. [. . .] 9 [. . .] ... [. . .]
4QCatena‘< (4Q177 [4QCatena“])
Col. 1 (frags. 5 + 6 + 8) 1 [. . .] the braggarts who [. . . in the ordeal to co]me upon
the men of the Commufnity,] 2 [as it is written in the book of Isaiah the
pro]phet: Is 37:30 This year what gro[ws of itself] will be eaten, [and the follow-
ing year the self-seeded yield. And what it s]ays: «what grows of itself», is 3 [. . .]
until the period of the ordefal which comes upon...] After this [...] will arise
*[...] for all of them are children [. . .] The braggarts said [...] 5 [... as is writ-
ten] about them in the book of I[saiah the prophet: . . .] for the law of [. . .] 6 [. . .]
calls them, as [is written about them in the book of Isaiah the prophet: Is 32:7
He] hatches wicked plots to desftroy the poor] 7 [with cunning words... the]
Insolent One to Israel [... Ps 11:1 For the choirmaster.] Of David. In yhwh [I
trusted.] 8 [For, see, the wicked draw the bow,] notch arrows [to the string, to
aim in the darkness at those with an honest heart. Its interpretation:] the me[n
of . . .] will flee 9 [. . .and he will flee] like a bird from its spot and will be exifled
from his land. Blank And this is what is written about th]em in the book of [. . .]
10 [Mic 2:10-11 On account of uncleanness he will ravage you with a dreadful
destruction. If a man should run after the win[d and invent untruths: «I fore-
tell strong drink and wine for you» he would be] a preacher for the people. This
210
EXEGET1CAL LITERATURE
4Q177 I — hi
[is ...] u [...] as is written about them in the book of [...] the experts [...]
12 [<••] {•••} Bhmk (Ps 12) For the choirmaster. On the ei[ghth ...] for he has no
knowledge] 13 [...] they are the eighth division [...] compassion [...] 14 [...
and] there is [no] peace. For they are [. . .] 15 [as is written in the book of Isaiah,
the prophet:] Is 22: 13 Sacrifice of oxen and slaughter of flocks, efating meat and
drinking wine. . .] 16 [. . .] the Law, those who make up the Community [. . .]
Col. 11 (frags. 11+10 + 26 + 9 + 20 + 7) 1 [ft 12.7 The words of yhwh are pure
words, silver purified in a clay crucible, re]fined seven times. As is written 2 [in
the book of the prophet Zachariah: Zac 7:9 Upon this single stone there are
seven eyes; see, ] its inscription is engraved, oracle of yhwh. What 3 [. . .a]s is
written about them: «I shall cure the [. . .] 4 [. . .a]ll the men of Belial and all the
rabble 5 [. . .] them, the Interpreter of the law, because there are no 6 [. . .] each
one upon his wall when they stand firm 7 [. . .] those who make the sons of light
stumble 8 [. . . Ps 13:2-3 How long, yhwh?] Are you going to forget me [for ever?
How long will you hi]de your face [from me?] How long am I to churn over
9 [worries in my soul, anxieties in my heart each day?] How long [is my enemy
to lord it over me?] The interpretation of the word concerns the purification
of the heart of the men of 10 [the Community...] in the last days [...] to test
them and refine them 11 [. . .] them by the spirit, and the spotless and purified
[. . .What it] says: «The enemy is not to say 12 [I have proceeded against him»
Blank ] These are the congregation of Those Looking for Easy Interpretations,
who [. . .] who seek to destroy 13 [the members of the Community . . .] by their
fervour and their animosity [...] as is written in the book of Ezekiel, the
prophet 14 [. . . Ez 23:8 House of Israel] and of Judah, like all the peoples. [The
interpretation of the word concerns the] last [days] when against them will rally
13 [...] a just people, but the wicked, the demented and the simpleton [. . .] the
men who serve God 16 [...who] circumcise the foreskin of their heart in the
las[t] generation [...] and all that belongs to them, he will pronounce unclean
and not
Col. hi (frags. 2 + 24+14 + 3 + 4+1 + 31) 1 [... a]ll their words [...] the praises
of his glory, as [. . .sa]ys 2 [. . . Dt 7:13 yhwh will remove] all illnesses from you.
Ps 16:3 As for the ho[ly ones who are] in the land, they are all the powerful ones
[in whom] I delight [...] 3 [...] will be like him [...Nah 2:11] and shaking of
knees and trembling in every lo[in ] 4 [...] Ps 17:1 Listen, [yhwh, the just,]
take notice of my shout, give ear to [my plaint . . .] 5 [. . .] in the last days, at the
time when [...] will seek the advice of the Community. He is [...] 6 [...] The
interpretation of the word: A man of the ho[use of ...] will arise ... [.. .] 7 [.. .]
and they will be like fire for the whole world. And these are ones about whom
it is written for the last days [...] ... [...] 8 [...] rules over the lot of the light
which is in mourning during the reign of Belfial, and the one who rules over
4Q173 • i8o
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211
the lot of darkness,] which is in mourning [ . . .] 9 [. . . ] of him [. . .] return to the
chiefs of mourning [...] God of compassion and God of Israel [•■■] ••• 10 [•■■]
who have rebelled against the spirits of Belial and they will be forgiven for
ever, and [. . .] will bless them again {by the hand of} for ever, and [. . .] will bless
them [ . . . ] their periods 1 1 f . . .] of their fathers, according to the number of their
names, according to the precise list of their names, man to man, [. . .] their years
and the period of their service [...] their tongues 12 [...] the descendants of
Judah [. . .] And now, see, everything has been written on the tablets which [.. .]
and showed them the number of [all the generations, and gave him in inheri-
tance 13 [...] to him and to his seed forever. And he lifted him from there to
walk from Aram [...] Hoss:8 Sound the horn in Gibeah. The horn is the book
1 4 [of the Law. . . the trum]pet of alarm is the book of the Second Law which
all the men of his council have spurned and they have spoken revolt against
him. And he sent 75 [. . .] great signs {. . .} over [. . .] And Jacob will be over the
wine-press and will rejoice over the descent of 16 [. . .] by the sword [. . .] (to) the
men of his council. They are the sword. And as for what he says:
Col. iv (frags. 19 + 12 + 13 1 + 15) 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] those who do disgusting
things come to me [...] j [...] spend the night together and [...] 4 [...] wallow
[...] 5 [.. .] I shall gather the anger [...] 6 [...] they shall be converted and [.. .
Jer 18: 18 For] the Law [is not to disappear] from the pr[iest, nor advice from the
sage, nor the word] from the prophet 7 [. . .] for the last days, as David said: Ps
6:2-3 yhwh, do not scold me in anger. [Take pity on me yhwh,] for I am col-
lapsing. #[...] Ps 6:4s My soul is very troubled; but you, yhwh, how long?
Take pity on me, save my li[fe. . .] over 9 [. . .] Belial, to destroy him in his anger,
for there will no longer be [. . .he will not] give rest to Belial 10 [. . . Abra]ham,
until there are ten just men in the city, for the spirit of truth [. . .fo]r there are
no 11 [.. .] and his brothers through the scheming of Belial, and he will triumph
over them [...]... 12 [. . .] the angel of his truth will ransom all the sons of light
from the power of Belial [...] 13 their hands [...] to scatter them in a dry and
bleak land. This is the period of distress [. . .] 14 because [. . .] continually (?) the
just man will flee and God’s great hand will be with them to rescue them from
all the spirits [of Belial...] 15 [...those who f]ear God, they will sanctify his
name and enter Zion with joy, and Jerusalem [. . .] 16 [. . .] Belial and all the men
of his lot will be finished for ever, and all the sons of light will be reunited [. . .]
Col. v (frag . 13 11) 1-4 [. . .] s Belial [. . .] 6 for the la[st] days [...] 7 the horn [. . .]
Si shall cover them [...] 9 God [...] 10 Belial [...] 11 the men of [...] 12-16 [...]
4QAges of Creation (4Q180 [4QAgesCreat])
Frag. 1 1 Interpretation concerning the ages which God has made: An age to
212
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4Q180 . 181
achieve [all that there is] 2 and all that will be. Before creating them he deter-
mined their operations [according to the precise sequence of the ages,] 3 one
age after another age. And this is engraved on the [heavenly] tablets [for the
sons of men,] 4 [for] /all/ the ages of their dominion. This is the sequence of
the so[ns of Noah, from Shem to Abraham,] 5 [unt]il he sired Isaac; the ten
generations . . .] 6 Blank 7 Interpretation concerning cAzaz’el and the angels who
[penetrated the daughters of man] 8 [and] sired giants by them. And concerning
cAzaz’el [who misled them into fallacy,] 9 [to love] sin and to make them inherit
evil for all the ag[es, for destruction] 10 [for the fervour] of the judgments and
the judgment of the council of [...]
Frags. 2-4 col. 11 1 [. . . Mount Zi]on on which God resides for e[ver . . .] 2 which
[. . .] attractive for Lot (?), to inherit [. . .] 3 the earth [. . .] Blank The three men
[who] 4 appeared to [Abra]ham in the oak wood of Mambre are angels. [And
what it] 5 [says: Gen 18:20-21 The sh]out of Sodom and Gomorrah is loud and
their sin is 6 very serious. I am going down to see: (if it corresponds to) their
shout which comes 7 [right to me, I will wre]ak destruction, and if not, I will
check [it. The interpretation] of the word [concerns all] 8 flesh which [...] and
to every [mouth] 9 which speaks [...] and I will check it, for everything [is in-
scribed in conformity with the ages of] 10 [their plans, since] before creating
them he knew their thou[ghts.]
Frags. 5-6 1 [... for e]ver. Blank [.. .] 2 [. . . And what is wr]itten concerning the
earth [...] 3 [...] two days’ journey [...] 4 [...] is Mount Zion, Jerusalem [...]
5 [... and wh]at is written concerning Pharaoh [...]
4QAges of Creation (4Q181 [4QAgesCreat])
Frag. 2 1 [to Abraham until he sire]d Isaac; [the ten generations. cAzaz’el and the
angels who penetrated] 2 [the daughters of] man and sired gian[ts] by them [. . .]
3 to Israel in the seventieth week to [. . .] 4 to love sin and to make them inherit
evil [. . .] 5 in the eyes of all those knowing [. . .] 6 and his goodness is unfathom-
able [. . .] 7 these are the wonders of knowledge [. . .] 8 he measured them by his
truth and [...] 9 in all their ages [...] 10 their creatures [...]
Frag. 1 1 for guilt in the Community with a counsel of sin, to wallow in the sin
of the sons of man, and for great judgments and vile maladies 2 in the flesh.
According to the powerful deeds of God and in line with their evil, according
to the foundation of their impurity, he delivered the sons of the heavens and
the earth to a wicked community until 3 the end. In accordance with God’s
compassion and in accordance with his goodness and the wonder of his glory
he approaches some from among the sons of the world [. . .] so that they can be
4Q182 . 183 . 252
OTHER TEXTS
213
considered with him in [the community of] 4 the gods like a holy congregation
in the position of eternal life and in the lot of his holy ones [. . .] 5 [the mysteries
of] his wonder, each man according to the lot assigned to him [...] 6 [...] for
eternal life [. . .]
4QCatena* (4Q182 ^QCatena*)
Frag. 1 / [Its interpretation for] the last days concerns [. . .] 2 [. . .] who stiffened
their necks [...] 3 [...] and remove restraint with arrogant hand to defile [...]
4 [as is written about them in the book of Jere[miah: Jer$:- Why should I have
to forgive you?] 5 [Your so]ns have deserted me and have sw[orn by what is not
a god...]
Frag. 2 1 [...]... for the last days [...] 2 [...] to destroy them[...]
4QHistorical Work (4Q183)
I their enemies. And they defiled their temple [...] 2 of them, and they arose
for wars, one man [against his brother. But those who remained loyal] 3 to his
covenant, God saved and set free [. . . And he selected the chosen of] 4 his be-
nevolence, and gave them the heart to walk [on the path of his heart and so that
they would detest] 5 any wicked wealth. And they went away from the path [of
the people and taught all] 6 those with misguided spirit, and with the language
of truth [they spoke to . . .] 7 and atoned for their sins through their sufferings
[. . .] 8 their sins. Blank [. . .] 9 As for what he says: [. . .]
4QGenesis Pesher" (4Q252 [4QpGena)
Col. 1 1 [In the y]ear four hundred and eighty of Noah’s life, Noah reached the
end of them. And God 2 [sa]id: ‘My spirit will not reside in man for ever’.
Their days shall be fixed at one hundred and twenty 3 [y]ears until the end of
the waters of the flood. And the waters of the flood burst over the Blank earth
in the year six hundred 4 of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the first (day)
of the week, on its seventeenth (day). On that day 5 all the springs of the great
abyss were split and the sluices of the sky opened and rain fell upon 6 the earth
forty days and forty nights, until the twenty-sixth day of the third 7 month, the
fifth day of the week. One hundred and fifty days did the wate[rs] hold sway
over the [ea]rth, 8 until the fourteenth day in the seventh month, the third (day)
of the week. At the end of 9 one hundred and fifty days, the waters came down
(during) two days, the fourth day and the fifth day, and the sixth w day, the ark
rested in the mountains of Hurarat, the seventeenth of the seventh month.
II And the waters continued [diminishing until the [ten]th month, on its first
214
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4Q252 I— IV
(day), the fourth day 12 of the week. And the peaks of the mountains began to
be visible at the [e]nd of forty days. 13 And Noah [opjened the window of the
ark the first day of the week, which is the tenth 14 of the eleventh] month. And
he sent out the dove to see whether the waters had diminished, but it did not
15 find a place of rest and returned to him, [to the] ark. And he waited yet
afnother] seven days 16 and again sent it out, and it returned to him, and in its
beak there was a cut olive branch. [It was day twenty-] 77 four of the eleventh
month, the first (day) of the wee[k. And Noah knew that the waters had dimin-
ished] 18 over the earth. And at the end of another seven days, [Noah sent the
dove out, but it did not] 79 come back. It was the [fir]st day [of the twelfth]
month, [the first day] 20 of the week. And at the end of the th[irty-one days
from Noah having sent out the do]ve which did not re[turn to him] 21 again, the
wat[ers] dried up [from upon the earth and] Noah removed the cover of the ark
22 and looked, and behold [they had dried up on the fourth day,] on the first
(day) of the first month.
Col. 11 7 in the year six-hundred and one of Noah’s life. On the seventeenth day
of the second month 3 the land dried up, on the first (day) of the week. On that
day, Noah went out of the ark, at the end of a complete 3 year of three-hundred
and sixty-four days, on the first (day) of the week. On the seventh 4 Blank one
and six Blank Noah (went out?) from the ark, at the appointed time of a com-
plete 5 year. Blank And Noah awoke from his wine and knew what 6 his youn-
gest son had done. And he said: ‘Cursed be Canaan; he will be, for his
brothers], the last of the slaves!’ [But he did not] 7 curse Ham, but only his
son, for God had blessed the sons of Noah. And they dwelt in the tents of
Shem. 8 He gave the land to Abraham, his beloved. Blank Terah was one hun-
dred and [for]ty years old when he left Ur of the Chaldees and came to Haran,
and Ab[ram was scjventv years old. Abram lived five years 70 in Haran, and
afterwards [Abram] went [to] the land of Canaan. Six[ty five years (?).] 77 The
heifer, the ram and the he-g[oat ...] Abram to God [...] 12 the fire when he
crossed [...] 13 for Ab[ram] to go [to the land of] Canaan [...]
Col. ill 7 As it is written: [,..]twe-2lveme[n . ..] and also 3 this city. [...The] just
4 [I will] not [destroy them. . .] only those will I exterminate. 5 If there are not
found there [...] that is found in it and its booty 6 and its children. And the
remnant [. . .] forever. And Abraham 7 stretched out his hand [ . . .] 8 And he told
him: [...] 9 your only [...] 70-77 [...] 12 El-Shaddai will [bless] you [...] 13 the
blessing of your father [. . .] 14 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Col. iv 7 Timnah was the concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and she bore him
Amaleq. It was he whom Saul sl[ew], 2 Blank as he said Blank through Moses in
respect of the last days: Dt 25:79 «I will erase the memory of Amaleq 3 from
4Q252_254
OTHER TEXTS
215
under the heavens». Blank Blessings of Jacob: Gen 49:3-4 «Reuben, you are my
first-born 4 and the first-fruits of my manhood, pre-eminent in stature and pre-
eminent in strength; you seethe like water; you shall not enjoy supremacy. You
mounted 5 your father’s bed; then you defiled it, for he had lain in it». Blank Its
interpretation: That he reproved him, because 6 he lay with Bilhah, his concu-
bine. And as for what he said: «You are my first-born» [...] Reuben 7 was the
first of his order [...]
Col. v 1 Gen 49:10 A sovereign shall [not] be removed from the tribe of Judah.
While Israel has the dominion, 2 there w ill |not] lack someone who sits on the
throne of David. For «the staff* is the covenant of royalty, 3 [the thousands of
Israel are «the feet». Until the messiah of justice comes, the branch 4 of David.
For to him and to his descendants has been given the covenant of royalty over
his people for all everlasting generations, which 5 he has observed [. . .] the Law
with the men of the Community, for 6 [. . .] it is the assembly of the men of [. . .]
7 [...] He gives
4QGenesis Pesher* (4Q253 [4QpGen*)
Frag, r ;[...] Israel [...] 2 [...] of the ark [...] 3 [...] to show to all [...]
Frag. 2 1 the impurity [...] 2 ... [. . .] 3 the clean (animals) of creation [. . .] 4 his
holocaust according to his will, for we shall take [...] 5 for him the highest
gates, since [. . .]
Frag. 3 col. I /[...] and he will pay attention 2 [. . . Mol 3:16-18] And they shall be
for me 3 [my possession on the day that I prepare. I will have pity o]n them, as
4 [a man has pity on the son who serves him. You shall return, then, to differ-
entiate] between the just and the wicked, 5 [between who serves him and who
does not serve him . . .] justice and upon
Frag. 3 col. 11 1 and {he who} /a man of/ Israel who ea[ts . . .] 2 and approaches
its blood, who does not [...]
Frag. 4 1 [...]...[...] 2 [.. .] Belial, and as [. . .] 3 [. . .] and he will abandon [. . .]
4QGenesis Pesher' (4Q254)
Frag. 1 1 And what he says: [. . .] 2 upon the openings, and [. . . And Noah awoke
from his wine] 3 and knew what [his youngest son had] done. And he said:
‘Cursed be Canaan;] 4 the last of the slaves [will he be for his brothers!’ ...]
2l6
EXEGETICAL LITERATURE
4Q2542-15
Frag. 2 1 and for his bread and for [. . .] 2 your countenance does not [. . .] 3 Blank
what he gathers [...]5 [and] to separate from [...]
Frag. 4 1 [. . .] to them, and to the people [. . .] 2 [. . .] the two sons of the oil of
anointing which [. . .] j [. . .] those who observe God’s precepts [. . ,]5 [. . .] for the
men of [...]
Frag. 5 1 Gen 4g:is And he bent [his shoulder to the burden and was reduced to
(the) tribute] of a slave. Blank [. . .] 2 which [. . .] the great ones [...] j servant . . .
[... Gen 4g:iy Dan will judge] his people like one of the ju[dges of Israel ...
4 Dan will be a ser[pent on the path, an asp on the w[ay. . .] 5 the horse’s heels
[...]
Frag. 6 1 [. . . Gen 4g: 24-26 And] his bow [remained steady [and his arms and his
hands stayed agile, by virtue of the hands of the Strong One of Jacob,] 2 [by the
name (?) of the Shep]herd, the Stone of Israel. [...] j [...blessings of the
heaven] above, [...] 4 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 15 1 [. . .] the seventeenth] of the [second] 2 month [. . .] Noah went out of
the ark at the appointed time of the complete (?) days 3 [. . .] Blank 4 [. . . And he
sent out the ra]ven and it went out, going to and fro and returned, to show to
the la[st] generations 5 [■ ■ • ] before him, for the raven went out, going to and fro
and returned] 6 [. . .] the dove [. . .] 7 And this is the plan of the construction of
the ar[k: three hundred cubits will be the len]gth of the ark, and fift[y cubits]
8 the width, and thirty [the height. ..] g And the measurement of the ark [. . .]
jo [...]... [...]
Para-biblical Literature
2l8
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
This chapter also gathers together material differing greatly in literary form
and in origin: reports, apocalypses, testaments, etc. Even so, all the composi-
tions from which this material comes could be classed as ‘para-biblical litera-
ture’, literature that begins with the Bible, which retells the biblical text in its
own way, intermingling it and expanding it with other, quite different tradi-
tions. Every one of these compositions has its starting point in specific texts of
the Torah or of the Prophets but, unlike the exegetical literature, rather than
interpreting the biblical text, they elaborate on it, augmenting it with other
material.
Fidelity to the original biblical text varies greatly from composition to com-
position. While the Paraphrases of the Pentateuch do not seem to be much more
than a collection of literal quotations of various passages from the Pentateuch,
interwoven with other traditions previously undocumented (to the extent that
it would be reasonable to wonder whether, in fact, we have found atypical vari-
ants of biblical manuscripts) the connection with the original text of other com-
positions included here is weaker or more remote. In some compositions, such
as the Genesis Apocryphon or the Book of Jubilees, the biblical plot is still distin-
guishable with ease. In many others, such as the pseudepigrapha, the modifica-
tions effected are such that the biblical origin is only visible as a fine thread
running throughout the work. Other compositions seem, rather, to be self-con-
tained developments around certain biblical characters. The starting point con-
tinues to be the biblical text, but the development results in independent com-
positions. In the last texts to be included, such as those with the title ‘proto-
Esther’, the connection is even more tenuous and remote. It is really literature
which is parallel to, earlier than, or simultaneous with, the biblical text, but
with no direct connection to it.
Some of these texts, such as the Books of Enoch or the Book of Jubilees, have
reached us at the periphery of the official Bible. Of other compositions, such
as Pseudo-Ezekiel, it appears possible to trace some echoes in the literature of
primitive Christianity. Others, such as th e Aramaic Testament of Levi, seem to
have served as the model for later compositions. Most of them, though, have
been lost for ever. Their retrieval, even in this fragmented condition, allows us
to envisage the breadth of para-biblical literature in circulation.
It is hard to determine exactly the origin of each particular work. Some com-
positions preserve clear evidence of a Qumranic origin. Of others it can be
stated w ithout a doubt that they were produced outside the Qumran commu-
nity. For most of the works represented, it is impossible, even so, to specify the
milieu in which they arose, or the kind of reader for which they were intended.
4Q158 i-6
PARAPHRASE OF THE PENTATEUCH
219
1 Paraphrase of the Pentateuch
a 4QReworked Pentateuch" (4Q158 [4qRP"])
Frags. 1-2 1 [...] because of this [...] 2 [...] you shall fight and [...] 3 [...] Gn
32:25-30 And [Jacjob remain[edl alone there, and [a man] was fi[ghting] with him
until first light. Since he saw that he could not prevail against him, he seized
him in the thigh joint] 4 [and Jacob’s thigh joint was dislocated] while he strug-
gled with him and he caught hold of him. And said to him: [Let me walk, for
dawn is breaking. But Jacob replied: I shall not let you walk] 5 [unless you have
blessed] me. He asked him: What is your name? And [he told him: Jacob. He
said to him: Now you will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have
fought] 6 [with God and with] men and you have won. And Ja[cob] asked him
and said: Tell me your nafme] /please/! 7 [And he said to him: Why do you ask
me [my name?] And he blessed him right there. And he said to him: May
yhwh make you fertile and bl[ess] you [. . . May he fill you with] 8 [knowledge
and intelligence; may he free you from all violence [. . .] 9 until this day and for
everlasting generations {...} 10 And he walked on his way after having blessed
him there. [0/132:31-33 Jacob named the place Penu’el: Because I saw God face
to face and in spite of that my life has remained safe. And there rose] 11 the sun
as he passed Penu’el [and he went on with a game thigh. . .] 12 on that day. And
he said to him: You shall not ea[t...] 13 above the two joints of the thigh until
the present [day...] 14 Ex 4:27-28 to Aaron saying: Go and find [Moses in the
desert! He went, then, and coming across him on God’s mountain he kissed
him. Moses repeated to Aaron all] 15 the words of yhwh which he had trans-
mitted to him, and all [the signs which he had commanded. . .] 16 yhwh to me,
saying: When you make leave [. . .] 17 in order to go like slaves. And see, these
are the thifrty...] 18 yhwh God [...] 19 ... [...]
Frag. 3 1 And Jacob called [. . .] 2 in this earth [. . .] 3 my fathers in order to enter
[...]
Frag. 4 1 [. . .] he commands you [. . .] 2 the people of Egypt: you shall sferve. . .]
3 according to the number of the twelve tribes of [Israel. . .] 4 and he offered the
holocaust on the altar [...Ex 24:6 And Moses took half the blood and put it] 5 in
earthenware bowls and the (other) half of the blood he poured over the al[tar. . .]
6 as I showed Abraham and [Jacob] [. . .] 7 to them, so that God would be for
them and for their descendants [...] S for ever [...]
Frag. 6 1 [Ex 20:19-21 Samaritan in the midst of one like us.] You, [approach and
listen to all that yhwh our God tells you and you shall transmit to us all that
yhwh our God tells you] 2 [and we will hear it and carry it out. But God] is
220
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q158 6-8
not to talk to u[s, in case we die. Moses answered the people: Do not fear, for
in order to test you] 3 Go[d] has come [and] so that fear of him [be with you
and you shall not sin. And the people kept their distance, while Moses ap-
proached the thick fog in which] 4 God [was]. And yhwh [spoke] to Moses
sa[ying: I have heard the noise of the words of this people, what they have said
to you: all they have said to you is good. Who gave them] 5 and placed in them
this heart, to fear me [and keep my statutes all their days, so that it will go well
with them and their children for ever! And you, hear] 6 the sound of the words
which I tell them: [I will raise up] a prophet [like you for them from amongst
their brothers, and I will place my words in his mouth and I will tell them ev-
erything I command him. And it will happen that the man] 7 who does not
listen to the words [which he will utter in my name, I will call him to account.
But the prophet who dares to speak in my name what I have not commanded
him] 8 to say, or who spfeaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.
And if you say in your heart: How will I know the word which yhwh has not
spoken?] 9 If what [the prophet] says [in the name of yhwh does not occur, or
does not happen, it is a word which yhwh has not pronounced; the prophet
has pronounced it daringly; have no fear of him.]
Frags. 7-8 1 [Ex 20: 12-17 your fat]her and your mother [so that your days on the
soil which yhwh your God gives you are lengthened. You shall not kill. You
shall not commit adultery. You shall not rob. You shall not give] 2 false evi-
dence against your fellow man. You shall not covet the wife of [your neighbour,
or his house, or his servant, or his maid, or his ass, or anything of what belongs
to your neighbour.] 3 And yhwh said to Moses: 015:30-31 Go and tell them: Go
back to [your tents! You, however, stay here with me, for I am going to explain
to you all the commandments, the laws] 4 and the statutes, so that they can be
taught and put into practice in the land [which I give them so that they can
possess it...] 5 And the people did return, each man to his tent. But Moses
remained in the presence [of yhwh...] 6 Ex 20:22-26 You have seen that from
the heavens have I spoken. You shall not make [alongside me gods of silver or
gods of gold, do not make them! You shall construct for me an earthen altar,
and sacrifice] 7 on it their holocausts and their peace-offerings, their flocks [and
their cattle. In any place where I make you commemorate my name, I shall
come to you and bless you. If] 8 you construct [an altar of stone] for me, you are
not to chisel it in the manner of blocks of stone, for by passing [your chisel
over each one of them you will desecrate it. Nor are you to climb to my altar
by steps, in case you reveal your nakedness] 9 on it. Blank Ex 21:1-10 These are
the statutes which you are to propound to them. [When you purchase a Hebrew
slave he will serve for six years, but on the seventh he shall go away free] w [for
nothing.] If he came in alone he will go away alone; if [he was married, his wife
will go with him. If his master gave him a wife and she bore him sons or
4Q156 8- 12
PARAPHRASE OF THE PENTATEUCH
221
daughters] 11 [the wife and her children will be] for the master and he [will go
away alone. But if the slave should say clearly: I love my master, my wife and
my children; I do not wish to go away free,] 12 [his master] will lead [him before
God, place him near the door or the jambs. . His master will pierce] 13 his ear
with an awl, [and he will serve him for ever. When a man sells his daughter as
a slave-girl, she is not to leave as the slaves leave. If she turns out to be un-
pleasant in the eyes of her master, who had intended her for himself, he shall
allow her to be] 14 redeemed; [he cannot sell her to] a foreign peofple, having
been disloyal to her. If he intends her for his son, he shall treat her according
to the norm for daughters. If he takes another (girl) for himself,] 15 he is not [to
take from (the first) her food, her clothing] [and her conjugal rights...]
Frags. 10-12 1 [. . .Ex 21:32-37 If the bull gores a slave or a slave-girl, their owner
is to be paid] thirty sil[ver] shekels [and the bull shall be stoned.] 2 [When a
man opens a well or digs a well and not having covered it, a bull or an ass falls
into it, the owner] of the well will pay [him; he will compensate] 3 [their owner
with money, and the dead animal will be for him. When someone’s bull
wounds his neighbour’s bull, so that it dies, the live bull will be sold and] its
price [shared out,] and [the dead animal will] also [be shared out.] 4 However,
if it was kno[wn, that [in the past] that bull used to] gore, [and its owner did not
keep it in, the latter must repay, bull for bull, and the carcass will be for him.]
3 If anyone steals a bull or a ewe, and slaughters it or se[lls] it, [he is to pay five
beasts for the bull and four sheep for the ewe. Ex 22:1-13 If] 6 [the thief was
surprised during the break-in,] and was wounded and died, he will not be the
subject of blood vengeance. If the sun was shining, he will be the subject of
blood vengeance. [He is to repay, of course; if he owns nothing, he will be sold
for what he stole. If] 7 [the stolen property is found in his possession, should
it be a] live [bull,] ass or ewe, he will pay double. When a man uses [a field or
vineyard for pasture, and leaves his flock loose to graze in the field of someone
else] 8 [he is to make repayment from his own field, depending] on its produce;
if he used the whole field, [he is to repay] with the best of his (own) field or the
best of his vineyard. [When a fire breaks out and, encountering thorns,] 9 [a
hayrick or the cornfields or the field are consumed,] whoever lit the fire has to
pay damages. When a man entrusted [his neighbour] with [money, or objects
for safekeeping, and they were stolen from that person’s house, if the thief is
found he is to pay double.] 10 [If the thief is not found,] the owner of the house
[shall approach] the house of God (to swear) that he did not put his hand on the
property [of his neighbour. Whatever the object of the felony might be,
whether a bull, an ass, a sheep,] 11 [clothing or anything else lost,] about which
one could say: /This is it,/ the affair of both parties shall come to yhwh: [the
one w hich God convicts is to pay his neighbour double.] 12 [When someone has
given his neighbour an ass,] or bull or ram, or any animal for safekeeping, [and
222
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q364-365
it should die or suffer injury or be stolen without an eyewitness, the oath of
yhwh shall intervene] 13 [between both parties: if he did not reach out his
hand] to his neighbour’s property, the owner of the beast must concede and he
shall not [pay. However, if] it was stolen from beside him, [he shall pay dam-
ages to its owner. If it was torn to pieces] 14 [he is to show the torn animal as
evidence, and shall not pay.] When someone takes a loan of an animal from a
friend [and it is torn to pieces or dies] its owner not being with it [he has to
repay.]
Frag. 14 1 [...]... 2 [. . .al fle]sh and all the spirits 3 [. . .] for blessing for the land
4 [...] the peoples [...] and the land of Egypt 5 shall have desolation [...] the
yoke of /the hand/ of Egypt, and I shall free them 6 from their hands and I
shall make them a people for myself for [eternal generations [...] of Egypt.
And the seed 7 of your sons shall [possess the la]nd in security [. . .And Egypt
I shall hurl into] the middle of the sea, into the depths 8 of the abyss [. . .] who
dwell 9 in it [. . .] the frontiers (?)
B 4QReworked Pentateuch*'1 (4Q364-365 [4qRP*‘])
Frag. 3 / you (Rebecca) shall see him [...] 2 you shall see in peace [...] 3 your
death, and your eyes [. . .Why should I have to remain deprived of] 4 you two?
And [Isaac] called [Rebecca, his wife,... and showed] 5 her all the wofrds...]
6 after Jacob, his son [. . .] 7 Gn 28:6 And Esau saw that [Isaac had blessed Jacob,
and had sent him to 8 Pa[dan-]Aram in order to acquire [a wife] there [. . .]
Frag. 6 col. 11 1 you despise (?) [. . .] 2 for the majesty of [. . .] 3 you are great, the
saviour [...] 4 the enemy’s hope has died and he is forfgotten. . .] 5 they have
died in the copious waters, the enemy [...] 6 and he raised her to the heights
[. . .] and gave [. . .] 7 [. . .] majesty. Blank [. . .] 8 Ex 15:22-2 6 And he made Moses
leave for Is[rael] from the sea, and they walked through the desert for three
[days and did not find water.] 9 And they reached Marah, [but] they were
[un]able to drink the waters of Marah because they were bitt[er. This is why
that place is called Marah (bitterness)] 10 And the people complained agafinst
Moses] saying: What will we drink? And Moses called to [yhwh and yhwh
showed him] n a log. He threw it in the [water] and the waters became sweet.
There he imposed on him the law and [the statute, and there he put him to the
test. And he said:] 12 If you lis[ten care]fully to the voice of yhwh your God,
and do what is right in his eyes, and [lend an ear] 13 [to his commandments and
keep] all his laws, all the plagues which he imposed on Egyp[t] 14 he will not
impose on you, for I am yhwh, the one who] heals [you]. Blank
Frag. 7 1 Ex 15:16-20 until [your people] pa[sses Blank yhwh, Blank until Blank the
4Q364-365
PARAPHRASE OF THE PENTATEUCH
223
people you gained passes. Blank You will bring them in and plant them] 2 in the
mountain of your inheritance. Blank in the place [you prepared] for your
residence Blank yhwh, Blank the temple, Lord, Blank which your hands
founded.] 3 yhwh will rule for ever and ever. Blank When [the Pharaoh’s cav-
alry Blank , with its chariots and horses] went into the sea, Blank 4 yhwh [over-
turned] Blank the waters of the sea upon them. Blank And the so[ns of Israel
Blank walked with dry feet Blank in the middle of the sea,] 5 [and the wa]ters
formfed a wall] on their left and on their right. Blank And [Miriam, the prophet-
ess, Aaron’s sister,] took [the timbrel in her hand] and all the women came out
behind her with [timbrels and in choirs.]
Frag. 25 1 Lv 23:42-24:2 you shall live [in hu]ts for seven days; all those natives of
Israel shall stay in huts, so that your generations may] know 2 that your fathers
lived [in hu]ts when 1 took them out of the land of Egypt. I am yhwh, your
God! 3 Blank And Moses promulgated the feasts of yhwh to the children of
Israel. Blank 4 And yhwh spoke to Moses saying: Command the children of
Israel, saying: When you enter the land which 5 I will give you as inheritance,
and you live safely in it, you will offer wood for the holocaust and for all the
work of 6 [the hojuse you are to build in the land, in order to arrange it upon
the altar of sacrifice. And the holocausts 7 [...] for the passover sacrifices and
for the peace offerings, for the sacrifices for sins and for the freewill offerings
and for the holocausts, each thing according to [its order] £[...] and for the
gates and for all the work of the house they shall off[er...] 9 [...] and for the
feast of oil, the twelve [...] shall offer the wood the twe[lve...j 10 [...] ... those
who offer on the first day, Levi [...] u [...Reu]ben and Simeon [and on the
four]th [day...]
Frag. 28 col. 1 2 [. . .] for the wheat and for the oil .?[...] the children of Israel and
on the day of first produce 4 [...] the grapes and the pomegranates 5 [...] the
offering of the sacrifices upon which one places 6 [.. .offering] for jealousy, and
to the right of this gate 7 [. . .] ... they will eat the offerings for sins <?[...] Blank
9 [. . .] and the distance up to the side 10 [. . .] and the distance in every direction
//[...] between recess and recess, three and a half cubits
Frag. 28 col. 11 1 one hundred cubits; from the gate of Zabulon up to the gate of
Gad, three [hundred and sixty cubits]; from the gat[e of G]ad up [to the North
corner, three hundred] 2 and sixty cubits. From this corner up to the gate of
Dan, three [hundred] and sixty cubits; and the same [from the gate of Dan up
to] 3 the gate of Nephtali, three hundred and sixty cubits; and from the gate of
Nephtali up to the gate of Asher, three hundred and [sixty cubits...] 4 and
from the gate of Asher up to the Eastern corner [. . .] three hundred and sixty
cubits. And [the gates of the courtyard wall] will project [outwards] 5 seven
224
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
2Q22 . 4Q37O
cubits [and] in the inside /it will penetrate/ from the courtyard wall thirty-six
cubits. The width of the gateways will be fourteen] 6 cubits and their height
twenty-five cubits up to [the crossbeams] and likewise the lintel. And [the
beams] will be encased [with cedarwood] 7 and encased in gold. Their doors
will be encased in pure gold. Between one door and another you shfall make
storage places and rooms and porches on the inside.] sThe width of a storage
place will be ten cubits; its length twenty cubits and its height fourteen cubits.
They will be encased with timber from] g cedarwood. The width of the wall
will be two cubits and on the outside, the rooms. The width of a room will be
ten cubits; its length] w twenty cubits. The width of the wall will be two cubits
[...] 11 of cedarwood and its entrance three cubits wide [...]
C Other texts
2QApocryphon of David(?) (2Q22 [2QapDavid?])
Col. 1 1 [. . . and I did not need to begin anew because] yhwh our God [had de-
stroyed him] with the edge of the [sword.] 2 [...and I made] deadly catapults
with bows and (did) not j [... the ba]ttle to seize fortified cities and to terrify
Col. 11 1 [...] ... because I knew [...] 2 for his kindness towards Israel [...] j he
in all his paths /words/ and not [...] 4 he will deliver them to judgment. And
alp-.]
4QExhortation based on the Flood (4Q370)
Col. 1 1 And he crowned the mountains with produce and rained food upon
them and satisfied every living thing with good fruit. « May all those who do
what I want, /eat and be satisfied))/ says yhwh 2 «and bless my [holy] name».
«But now they have done what is evil in my eyes», says yhwh. And they re-
belled against God with their deeds. 3 And yhwh judged them according to all
their ways and according to the thoughts of the [evil] inclination of their heart
and thundered against them with his might. And all 4 the foundations of the
earth shook, and the waters overflowed from the abysses; all the sluice-gates of
the heavens were opened and the abysses overflowed with mighty waters; 5 and
the sluice-gates of the heavens poured out rain. And he destroyed them with
the flood. [. ..] all of them. . .[...] 6 This is why everything there was on dry land
[vanished,] and men, the [animals and all the] birds, all winged things [died.]
And the gi[a]nts did not escape. 7 [. . .] ... And God made [a sign of (the) cove-
nant and] placed the rainbow [in the clouds] to remember the covenant
8 [. . .and never again will] the water of the flood [come] for [destruction, or] will
4Q372
PARAPHRASE OF THE PENTATEUCH
225
the turmoil of the waters be opened. 9 [. . .] they made, and clouds [. . .] for (the)
waters [...] w [...] ... [...]
Col. 11 1 of sin, they will seek [. . .] 2 yhwh will justify [...].; and he will cleanse
them from their sins [...] 4 their evil and their knowledge [...] 5 They jump,
but their days are like a shadow [...] 6 and he is compasionate for ever [...]
7 yhwh’s marvels; remember the won[ders. . .] 8 due to his fear and [your] soul
will rejoice [. . .] 9 those who support you. Do not disobey [yhwh’s] words. . .
4QApocryphon of Joseph (4Q372 (4QapocrJoseph‘‘|)
Frag 1. 1 [...]...[...] 2 he who does [...]...; foreigners [...] 3 and the priests of
foreign gods and they honour those who serve [idols. . .] 4 the Most High, and
he delivered them into the hands of the nations in order to [... and he dis-
persed them] 5 in all the countries and among all [the peoples he scattered
them... They did not enter...] 6 Israel. And he uprooted them from the land
[...] ... [from the place ... to him; they did not allow them to rest...] 7 The
nations were given a place in the valley of the vision and ... [. . . Zion, and they
made. . . and turned] 8 Jerusalem into ruins and the mountain of my God into
a wooded height [...]...[... the laws . . . ] 9 God and Judah as well, together with
him, and he stood at a crossroads, to d[o...] 10 to be together with his two
brothers. And in all this, Joseph was thrown into lands which he did not
kn[ow...] 11 among a foreign people, and they were scattered in the whole
world. All the mountains were appalled at them [...fools...] 12 building a high
place for themselves on a very high mountain to arouse the jealousy of Israel.
And they spoke words [...] 13 the sons of Jacob, and they terrified them with
the words from their mouths, blaspheming against the tent of Zion; they spoke
[false] wor[ds and all] 14 the deceitful words, they spoke them to anger Levi,
Judah and Benjamin with their words. And in all this, Joseph [was delivered]
15 into the hand of foreigners, consuming his strength and breaking all his
bones up the time of his end. And he shouted [and his call] 16 summoned the
powerful God to save him from their hands. And he said: «My father and my
God, do not abandon me in the hands of gentiles, 17 do me justice, so that the
poor and afflicted do not die. You have no need of any people or of 18 any help.
Your finger is bigger and stronger than any there are in the world. For you
choose truth and in your hand there is no 19 violence at all. And your tender-
ness is great and great is your compassion for all who seek you; they are stron-
ger than me and all my brothers who 20 are associated with me. An enemy peo-
ple lives in it and [. . .] and they open their mouth against 21 all the sons of your
beloved Jacob with insults for [...] 22 the moment of their destruction of the
whole world and they shall be delivered [...] 23 I will arise to do right and
justice. . . to do] 24 the will of my creator, to offer sacrifices [of thanksgiving. . .]
226
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q373 . 462
25 to my God. And I will declare his compassion [...] 26 I shall praise you,
yhwh, my God and I shall bless all [...] 27 the first things, and in order to
teach sinners your statutes and your law to those who forsake you 28 and
the evil, so that your witnesses do not reproach me and to declare your ju[st]
words [...] 29 For God is great, holy, powerful, glorious, terrifying and
wond[erful] are [his. . . the heavens] 30 and the earth and even in the depths of
the abyss. Splendour and [majesty...] 31 I know and understand and ... [...]
32
Frag. 2 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] yhwh in the heavens [...] 3 [,..]in the depths and
in all the abyss [...] 4 [...who may tr]ain his hand for war, who may come [...]
5 [. . . who] gives him intelligence to understand knowledge [. . .] 6 [. . . to d]o his
delights for ever, according to the greatness of [. . .] 7 [. . .] time. For he gave you
strength to overcome. . .]<?[...] and he placed them in the hand of his people
in the judgment [...] 9 [. . .moujntain of Bashan. . .[. . .] and all their cities [...]
10 ... you shall be placed in [...]/ 1 [. . .] whoever does to his people trust in [ . . . ]
... [...] 12 [. . .Is]rael, for it has been scattered in his presence [...] 13 [...] his
head with a deadfly] stone [. . .] 14 [. . .] not [. . .]
4QApocryphon of Joseph (4Q373 ^Qapocrjosepl/])
?[• ••] his. . . and he [. . .] 2 all his servants with Og [. . .xxx] 3 and a half cubits
was his height and two [cubits his girth ..., a sword like a cedar...] 4 and a
shield like a tower. The light-footed [. . .] 5 whoever moves seven stadia away.
I did not stand [...] 6 and I did not do it a second time, but yhwh, our God,
crushed him; with the edge of the sword [. . .] 7 I made deadly catapults wi[th
bows and not . ..] Sfor [...war to take fortified cities and to terrify...] 9 [... and
now...]
4QNarrative (4Q462)
2 [...Shem,] Ham and Japhet [...] 3 [...] for Jacob, and he [...] and re-
membered [...] 4 [...] ... for Israel [...] Blank Then it will be said: [,..]5 [...] ...
we were empty-handed; for, to seize [...] 6 [...] like slaves for Jacob. With love
[...] 7 [... he] will give to many in inheritance. ****, who governs ...[...] S[...]
his glory which from one will fill the waters and the earth [...] 9 [...]...[...] the
control; they captured his people; the light was with them and over us there
was [...] 10 [...the peri]od of darkness [has gone] and the period of light has
arrived. And they will rule for ever. That is why it will be said: [...] 77 [...] to
Israel, for in the midst of us was the people of the beloved Jacob [...] 72 [...] ...
and they served and gave support and shouted to **** [ . . . ] 13 [ . . . ] and behold,
they were delivered up to Egypt a second time in the period of the kingdom
4Q19 • 4Q522
PARAPHRASE OF THE PENTATEUCH
227
and sup[ported . . . ] 14 [ . . . the inhabitants of Philistia and of Egypt for spoil and
devastation and they shall raise her [...] jy [...]... to set wickedness on high so
that it contracts uncl[eanness...] 16 [...] and the hardness of her face will
change into brilliance and her «uncleanness» and her clothes [...] 17 [...] and
what he did to her, so will be the uncleanness of [. . .] 18 [. . .] she was loathed as
she was prior to her construction [...] ig Blank And he will remember /Israel/
Jerusalem [...]
6QGenesis (?) (6Q19)
1 of the sons of Ham [...] 2 [...] the peoples [...] 3 [...] ... [...]
4QWork with Place Names (4Q522)
Frag. 6 1 [...] And Sime[on 2 [...] to them. And Dan, neither was he
destroyed [. . .] 3 [. . .] And Issachar to . . . And Asher [. . .] 4 [. . . to] Dazan (?) ...
[...]
Frag. 7 1 2 [...] and the Canaanites who [...] 3 [. ..] from the Vale of
Achor [...]
Frag. 8 col. I 2 [...] and to Ain Qeber, Bet ... 3 [...] Beqaca and to Bet Zippor,
to 4 [ . . . ] ... and to all the valley of Mizvah, to 5 [ . . . ] to Heikal Y zad, to Yacapor
and to 6 [...] ... and to Mani, to En Kober 7 [...Moun]t Garizim, to Chadita
and to cOshel 8 [...] ... [... to Ma]don, which 9 [...] ... and to [...to] Ashkelon
1 o[... to] Galilee and the two S[... and] to the Sharon 11 [... toJu]dah, toBeer-
Shebac and [to] Becalot 12 [. . .] to Qecilah, to Adullam and to 13 [. . .] Gezer, to
Temni and to Gimzon and to 14 [...] Chiqqar and Qitron and Ephronim and
to Soccoth 13 [. . .] Bechoron, Lower and Upper, and to 16 [.. .] to Gilat, Upper
and Lower
Frag. 8 col. 11 /[...]...[...] 2 ...[...] to establish there the tent of me[eting . . .]
3 of the times. For, behold, a son is born to Jesse, son of Perez, son of Jufdah
. ..] 4 the Rock of Zion, and he will drive out from there /all/ the Amorites,
from [. . .] 5 to build the house for yhwh, God of Israel. Gold and silver [.. .]
6 he will bring cedar and cypress [from] Lebanon for its construction; but his
son, the younger, [...] 7 the first will officiate there [...] and to him [...],? [...]
of watcfhers ...] The beloved of yhw[h will] dwell in safety [...] 9 [the] days,
[and] his people will dwell forever. But now, the Amorites (are) there, and the
Canaan[ites ...] /o dwellers who have made them sin, because I have not ex-
plained [the prejcept [...] 11 of you. And the Shilonite and the [.. .] I have made
the servant of [my pe]ople [...] 12 And now, let us establish the t[ent of
228
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q458 . 559
meejting far from [. . .] 13 Eleazar [to transport the [tent of mejeting from the
house of [. . .] 14 salvatifon ... to the ch]ief of the army [. . .]
6QDeuteronomy (?) (6Q20)
1 Blank [...] 2 For the ea[rth . ..] j a land of to[rrents . . .] 4 the house of [. ..] 5 the
abysses [...] 6 new and [...] 7 and you shall inherit [...]
4QNarrative (4Q458)
Frag. 1 1 [...] to the beloved [...] 2 [...] the beloved [...] 3 [...] in the tent [...]
4 [•• •] they did not know [. . .(5 [...] burns of fire [. . .] 6 [.. .] and they arose with
him from [...]/ [...] he spoke to the first, saying: [...]£[...] the first angel will
send to those living [. . .] 9 [. . .] burnt, and he will destroy the tree of wickedness
[. . .] 10 [. . . from] Egypt to the house of [. . .]
Frag 2. col. 1 2 [. . . the mo]on and the stars j [. . .] the years 4 [. . .] the flight . . .
5 [. . .] impurity 6 [. . .] fornication.
Frag. 2 col. 11 3 and he destroyed him, and his strength [. . .] 4 and she devoured
all the uncircumcised ones and . . . [.. ,]5 and he justified him and went on high
[...] 6 anointed with the oil of kingship [...]
4QBiblical Chronology (4Q559)
Frag. 1 1 [,..I]saac,Ja[cob . . .] 2 [. .. xxx] 5 in the la[ndof ...] j[...] ... years [...]
Frag. 2 1 [Abraham was 99] years old [when he begot Isaac.] 2 [And I]saac was
[60 years old when he begot Jacob. And Jacob] 3 [was] 65 ye[ars old when he
begot Eevi ...] 4 [•■■]••• [...]
Frag. 3 7 [. . . And Levi was 3]4 [years old] when he [begot Qahat.] 8 [And Qahat
was 2]9 years old when he begot cAmram. And cAmram [was] 9 [1 10 years old
when he begot] Aaron. And Aaron left Egy[pt. . .] 10 [. . .] these: 1 1 thousand and
536 Blank
Frag. 4 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] from the lan[d of ...] 3 [...] years [...].# [...Joshua
the Jo]rdan [as far as ...]...[...] 5 [...] 35 years in Gilgal [...] 6 [... in Timnath
Ser]ah (for) 20 years. And from the death [of Joshua ...] 7 [...] Cushan-
rishathaim, king of Aram-naharaim ...]<?[...] S [ye]ars. Othniel, son [of Kenaz
■ ■■] 9 Eglon, king of Moab, [...] 10 [.. .E]hud, son of Gera, 80 years; Sham[gar,
son of cAnath . . .]
4Q559
PARAPHRASE OF THE PENTATEUCH
229
Frag. 5 1 [. . .] 2 [Gideon, son of Joash,] 40 yfears;] To[la, son of Pua . . .] 3 [. . .]
230
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
lQapGen
2 Genesis Apocryphon
lQGenesis Apocryphon (1Q20 [lQapGen ar])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 [...] you shall pour out you anger and tear out (?) [...] and who
is he who 2 [...] the fury of your anger. Blank 3 [...]and those who have been
wiped out and those who have fallen, bereft and [...] 4 [...] and now, look, I
have oppressed the prisoners 5 [. . .] . . . 6 [. . .] Blank 7 [. . . the Great] Holy One
8 [. . .] all that he g-10 [. . .] ...
Frag. 1 col. 11 3 day of [...] 4 all [...] 5 6 land of [...] Sand the
evil for [...]
Frag. 2 1 [...]... 2 [...] and they were struck from behind 3 [...] Blank 4 [...] ...
5 [. . .] in front of the Lord of the Universe.
tQGenesisApocryphon (lQapGen ar)
Col. 1 1 [...].. . and with the sowing 2 [. . .] ... not even the mystery of evil which
3 [...] ... the mystery which
Col. 11 / Behold, then, I thought in my heart that the conception was the work
of the Watchers and the pregnancy, of the Holy Ones, and it belonged to the
Gian[ts, ...] 2 and my heart within me was upset on account of this boy. Blank
[■ ■ ■] 3 Then I, Lantech, was frightened and turned to Bitenosh, my wife, [and
said: . . .] 4 [Swear to me] by the Most High, by the Great Lord, bv the King of
the Universe, . . .] 5 [. . .] the sons of heaven, that you will in truth let me know
everything, if [...] 6 You will [in truth] and without lies let me know whether
this [. . . Swear to me] 7 by the King of all the Universe that you are speaking
to me frankly and without lies [...]<? Then Bitenosh, my bride, spoke to me
very harshly, she wep[t . . .] 9 and said: Oh my brother and lord! Remember my
pleasure [...] 10 [. ..] the time of love, the gasping of my breath in my breast.
I [shall tell you] everything accurately [,..]»[...] and then within me my heart
was very upset. Blank [. . .] 12 When Bitenosh, my wife, realized that my counte-
nance had altered [...] 13 then she suppressed her anger, speaking to me and
saying to me: O my lord and [brother! Remember] 14 my pleasure. I swear to
you by the Great Holy One, by the King of the heafvens...] 15 that this seed
l comes from you, that this pregnancy comes from you, that the planting of this
1 fruit comes from you, 16 and not from any foreigner or watcher or son of
heaven. [Why is the expression] 17 of your face so changed and distorted, and
your spirit so depressed? [. . .] 18 1 speak truthfully to you. Blank [...] uj Then I,
Lantech, /ran/ to my father, Methuselah, and [told] him everything, [so that
lQapGen ii-xii
GENESIS APOCRYPHON
231
he would go and ask Enoch,] 20 his father and would know everything for cer-
tain from him, since he (Enoch) is liked and well-liked [... and with the holy
ones] 21 his inheritance is found and they show him everything. When Methu-
selah heard [these things] 22 [he ran] to Enoch, his father, in order to know
everything reliably [. . .] 23 his will. And he left for the higher level, to Parvaim,
and there he met [Enoch, his father...] 24 He said to Enoch, his father: O my
father and my lord, to whom I [. . .] 25 [. . .] I tell you: Do not be annoyed with
me because I came here to [you. . .] 26 fear (?) before you [. . .]
Col. ill 3 For in the days of Jared, my father [...]
Col. v 3 I, Enoch [. . .] 4 [not from the sons of] heaven but from Lamech [your
son...] 9 Now I tell you ... I let you know [...] 10 Go, tell Lamech, your son
[. . .] 24 When Methuselah heard [. . .] 25 and with Lamech, his son ... he spoke
[...] 26 When I, Lamech [...] 27 which he brought out of me [...]
Col. vi 2 and all my life I have behaved correctly [...] 6 [.. .] I, Noah, a man [...]
Col. vii 1 [you will rule] the earth and all there is in it, over the seas [...] 7 [...]
and I was happy at the words of the Lord of the heavens [. . .]
Col. x 12 [...] the ark settled [on] one of the mountains of Hurarat [...] 13 [...]
I atoned for all the whole earth [...] 13 [...] I burned incense on the altar [...]
Col. xi 17 [. . .] You shall eat no blood of any kind [. . .]
Col. xii /[...] and it was for me a sign in the cloud [. . .] 2 [. . .] the earth 3 [. . .]
was revealed to me 4-7 [...]... 8 [ . . . ] in the mountains of Hurarat; afterwards I
descended to the base of these mountains, I, my sons and my sons’ sons 9 [. . .]
for desolation was great in the earth [...] after the flood 10 [...] was born first
Arpachsad two years after the Flood [...] all the sons of Shem, all of them
II [...] Put and Canaan [. . .] 12 [.. .] seven. Blank And the sons ofjaphet, Gomer,
Magog, Madai, Yavan, Tubal, Mosok, Tiras and four daughters. 13 I, and all
my sons began to till the earth and I planted a huge vineyard on Mount Lubar
and four years later it produced wine for me. 14 [...] Blank And when the first
feast occurred, on the first day of the first feast of the month, 15 [. . .] my vine-
yard; I opened the pitcher and began to drink it on the first day of the fifth
year. 16 [. . .] On that day I called my sons, and my sons’ sons, and all our wives
and their daughters and we got together and we went [. . .] And I blessed the
Lord of the Heavens, the God Most High, the Great Holy One, who saved us
from destruction.
232
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
lQapGen xvi-xix
Col. XVI 11 [. . .] all the land of the North until he reached [•■•] '2 [...] this fron-
tier, the waters of the Great Sea [. . .] 16 [. . .] the river Tina [. . .]
Col. xvii £[...] towards the West, towards Ashshur, until it reached the Tigris
[...] 9 to Aram, the land which [...] until it reached the upper part of [...]
io [. . .] this mountain of the Bull, and he crossed this portion towards the East,
until he reached and over the upper part of the three portions [ . . . ]
To Arpachsad [...] 16 [...] to Gomer he gave the Eastern part in the North,
until it reached the river Tina and its crown; to Magog [. . .]
Col. xix 7 [...There I built an altar and called on the name of God] there and
said: You are 8 for [me the eternal God] . . . Until now I have not reached the
holy mountain. I left, then, g as far as [...] and kept on walking towards the
South [. . .] until I reached Hebron. [At that time] Hebron had been built, and
I lived io [there two ye]ars. Blank However, a famine occurred in this whole
country. I heard that there was grain in Egypt, and left u to [enter] the land of
Egypt [. . .] I reached the river Carmon, one of the 12 branches of the river [. . .]
now we [. . .] our land. And I crossed the seven branches of this river which [. . .]
13 [• • •] Then we cross our land and we enter the land of the sons of Ham in the
land of Egypt. 14 Blank I, Abram, dreamt a dream, on the night of my entry into
Egypt. And in my dream I saw a cedar and a palm-tree. 13 [. . .] Some men ar-
rived intending to cut and uproot the cedar, leaving the palm-tree alone. 16 But
the palm-tree shouted and said: Do not hew down the cedar, because both of
us are of the same family. And the cedar was saved thanks to the palm-tree,
17 and was not hewn down. Blank I woke up from my slumber during the night
and said to Sarai, my wife: I have had 18 a nightmare [. . . and] I am alarmed by
this dream. She said to me: Tell me your dream so that I may know it. And I
began to tell her the dream. ig [And I let her know the interpretation] of the
dream. I said: [. . .] they want to kill me and leave you alone. This favour only
20 [must you do for me]: every time we [reach a place, say] about me: He is my
brother. And I shall live under your protection and my life will be spared be-
cause of you. 21 [...] they will try to separate you from me and kill me. Sarai
wept because of my words that night. 22 [...] the Pharaoh [Zoan ... so that]
Sarai [did not wish] to go to Zoan 23 [with me, because she greatly feared]
within herself that anybody could see her. After these five years 24 three men
of the princes of Egypt [came. . .] from Pharaoh Zoan on account of my [words]
and of my wife. They gave me 25 [many presents expecting from me] goodness,
wisdom and truth. I read in front of them the [book] of the words of Enoch
26 [. . .] concerning the famine which [. . .] and not [. . .] and they arrived, urging
until [...] to her [...] the words of [...] 27 [...] with much eating and drinking
[...] wine [...]
lQapGen xx
GENESIS APOCRYPHON
233
Col. x x 7 2 [...] How dazzling and pretty is the shape of her face, and
how [. . .] 3 [. . .,] how smooth the hair of her head! How lovely are her eyes; how
pleasant her nose and all the animation 4 of her face [...] How graceful is her
breast and how lovely all her whiteness! How beautiful are her arms! And her
hands, how 5 perfect! How alluring is the whole appearance of her hands! How
pretty are the palms of her hands and how long and supple all the fingers of
her hands! Her feet, 6 how lovely! How perfect her legs! No virgin or wife who
enters the bridal chamber is more beautiful than her. Above all 7 women her
beauty stands out; her loveliness is far above them all. And with all this beauty
there is in her great wisdom. And everything she does with her hands 8 is per-
fect. When the king heard the words of hrknws and the words of his two
companions, since the three of them spoke in unison, he desired her greatly
and sent 9 with all speed for them to fetch her. He saw her and was amazed at
all her beauty, and took her for himself as a wife. He tried to kill me, but Sarai
said 70 to the king: He is my brother, so that I could profit at her expense. I,
Abram, was forgiven on her account and I was not killed. But I wept 77 bitterly
that night, I, Abram and my nephew Lot with me, because Sarai had been
taken away from me by force. Blank 12 That night I prayed, pleaded and en-
treated and said in my distress, while my tears flowed: Blessed are you, O God
Most High, my Lord, through all the 14 universe. For you are Lord and Master
of everything and rule all the kings of the earth, to judge them all. Now 14 I
lodge a complaint before you, my Lord, against Pharaoh Zoan, king of Egypt,
because my wife has been taken away from me by force. Do justice for me
against him and show your mighty arm 75 against him, and against all his
house. During this night, may he not be able to sully my wife, separated from
me; and so they shall know you, my Lord. For you are the Lord of all the kings
7 6 of the earth. And I wept and stayed silent. That night, the God Most High
sent him a chastising spirit, to afflict him and all the members of his household,
an evil spirit 1 7 that kept afflicting him and all the members of his household.
And he was unable to approach her, much less have sexual intercourse with
her, in spite of being with her 18 for two years. At the end of two years, the
punishments and plagues, against him and against all the members of his
household, increased and intensified. And he sent 79 for all [the wise men] of
Egypt to be called, and all the wizards as well as all the healers of Egypt, (to
see) whether they could heal him of that disease, [him] and the members 20 of
his household. However, all the healers and wizards and all the wise men were
unable to rise up and heal him. For the spirit attacked all of them and 21 they
fled. Blank Then hrknws came to me and asked me to come and pray for 22 the
king, and lay my hands upon him so that he would live. For [he had seen me]
in a dream. But Lot said to him: Abram, my uncle, cannot pray for 23 the king
while Sarai, his wife, is with him. Go, now, and tell the king to send back his
wife to her own husband and he will pray for him and he will live. 24 Blank
234
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE lQapGen XX-XXI
When hrknws heard Lot’s words, he went and said to the king: All these
plagues and punishments 25 with which the king my Lord is afflicted and pun-
ished are on account of Sarai, Abram’s wife. They should return Sarai, then,
I beg you to Abram, her husband, 26 and this plague and the spirit of purulent
evils will cease to afflict you. (The Pharaoh) called me to him and said to me:
What have you done to me with regard to Sarai? You told me: 27 She is my
sister, when she is your wife; so that I took her for myself for a consort. Here
is your wife; take her away! Go! Depart from 28 all the cities of Egypt! But now
pray for me and for my household so that this evil spirit will be banished from
us. I prayed for [...] 29 and laid my hands upon his head. The plague was re-
moved from him; [the evil spirit] was banished [from him] and he lived. 30 The
king got up and informed me [. . .] The king swore an oath to me that not [. . .]
Then, they [brought to] me 31 Sarai. The king gave her much gold [and silver]
and many clothes of fine linen and purple [. . .] 32 in front of her and also Ha-
gar. He handed her to me, and appointed men to escort me out [of Egypt.]
33 I, Abram, walked with much cattle and also with silver and gold. I left
[Egypt . . . Lot] 34 , my brother’s son, [was] with me. Lot, too, had acquired
many flocks and had taken for himself a wife from among the daughters [of
Egypt. 1 camped with him]
Col. xxi 1 in all my (old) camp-sites until I reached Bethel, the place where I
had built an altar, and I built it once again. 2 Upon it I offered holocausts and
an offering to the God Most High, and invoked the name of the Lord of the
Universe there; I praised God’s name and blessed 3 God. I gave thanks there
in God’s presence for all the flocks and wealth which he had given me, because
he had acted well towards me, and because he had returned me 4 in peace to
this land. Blank 5 After that day, Lot parted from me on account of the
behaviour of our shepherds. He went and settled in the Jordan Valley (taking)
all his flocks 6 with him. And I even added many to his. He pastured his flocks
and reached Sodom and bought himself a house in Sodom 7 and lived there,
while I lived in the mountain of Bethel. It distressed me that Lot, my brother’s
son, should have parted from me. 8 Blank God appeared to me in a night vision
and said to me: Go up to Ramat Hazor, which is to the North of g Bethel, the
place where you are living; raise your eyes and look to the East, to the West, to
the South and to the North. Look at all w this land, which I am giving you and
your descendants for ever. The following morning I went up to Ramat Hazor
and looked at the land from ,, that height, from the River of Egypt up to Leba-
non and Senir, and from the Great Sea up to Hauran, and all the land of Gebal
up to Qadesh, and all the 12 Great Desert which there is to the East of Hauran
and Senir as far as the Euphrates. And he said to me: I shall give all this land
to your descendants and they will inherit it forever. 13 I will multiply your
descendants like the dust of the earth which no-one can count. In the same
lQapGen xxi-xxii
GENESIS APOCRYPHON
235
way, your descendants will be innumerable. Get up, walk its length and
breadth, 14 and see how great is its length and how great is its width. For, I
shall give it to you, to you and to your descendants after you, for all the centu-
ries. Blank 15 I, Abram, went out to traverse and see the land. I began the tra-
verse at the River Gihon. I went along the edge of the sea until 16 1 reached the
mountain of the Bull. I walked from [the coast] of this Great Sea of Salt, skirt-
ing the mountain of the Bull towards the East, through the breadth of the land
17 until I reached the River Euphrates. I proceeded towards the East along the
bank of the Euphrates, until reaching the Red Sea. I continued walking along
the shore 18 of the Red Sea until arriving at the branch of the Sea of Reeds
which issues from the Red Sea, and continued towards the South until I
reached the 19 River Gihon. Then I turned back and arrived at my house in
peace and found everyone well. I went and settled next to the oaks of Mamre,
in Hebron, 20 to the North-east of Hebron. There I built an altar, and upon it
I offered a holocaust and an offering to the God Most High. And I ate and
drank there, 21 1 and all the people of my household. I invited, Mamre, Arnem
and Eshkol, three Amorite brothers, my friends, and they ate together 22 with
me and drank with me. Blank 23 Before those days there came Chedorlaomer
king of Elam, Amraphel, king of Babylonia, Arioch, king of Cappadocia, Tidal,
king of Goiim, which is Mesopotamia, and they declared war on Bera, king of
Sodom, Birsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, 25 Shemiabad,
king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela. All these formed an alliance to do battle
in the Valley of Siddim. However, the king of 26 Elam and the kings allied with
him were victorious over the king of Sodom and all his allies, and they imposed
tribute on them. Over twelve years they continued 27 paying their tribute to the
King of Elam but in the thirteenth they revolted against him. In the fourteenth
year, the king of Elam positioned himself at the head of all 28 his allies, they
climbed up the desert road and were ravaging and laying waste from the river
Euphrates. They routed the Rephaites of Ashteroth-agkarnaim the
Zumzumites of Ammon, the Emim of Shaveh-kiriathaim and the Horites of
Mount Gebal until they reached El-joparan, in the desert. They returned [. . .]
in Hazazon-tamar. Blank 31 The king of Sodom went out to meet him, together
with the king [of Gomorrah,] the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim and the
king of Bela. [They engaged] battle 32 in the Valley [of Siddim] against
Chedorlaomer, [and the allies] who were with him. But the king of Sodom was
defeated and fled; the king of Gomorrah 33 fell in the pits [...] The king of
Elam pillaged all the property of Sodom and of 34 [Gomorrah...] and they
captured Lot, the son of the brother
Col. xxii 1 of Abram, who was living in Sodom, together with them and all his
cattle. One of the shepherds of the flock 2 which Abram had given Lot, who
had escaped captivity, came to Abram -at that time Abram 3 was living in Heb-
236
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
lQapGen xxii
ron-and told him that Lot, the son of his brother and all his flocks had been
captured, but that he was not dead, and that 4 the kings had taken the road of
the Great Valley up to his city, taking prisoners, ravaging, killing and proceed-
ing 5 as far as the city of Damascus. Abram wept for Lot, the son of his
brother. Abram gained courage, stood up 6 and chose from among his servants
those most fit for war: three hundred and eighteen. Arnem, 7 Eshkol and
Mamre were with him. He went in pursuit of them until he reached Dan and
found them 8 camped in the Valley of Dan. He fell upon them by night from
(all) four sides. He killed 9 some during the night. He destroyed them and
chased them and they were all fleeing before him w until they reached Helbon
which lies north of Damascus. He retrieved from them all that they had cap-
tured, 11 all that they had looted and all their own goods. He also saved Lot, his
brother’s son, and all his flocks and brought back all 12 the captives they had
taken. The king of Sodom heard that Abram had brought back all the captives
13 and all the loot and went up to meet him. He went to Salem, which is Jerusa-
lem. Abram was encamped in the Valley of 14 Shaveh, which is the Valley of
the King, the Valley of Bet ha-Kerem. Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought
out 13 food and drink for Abram and for all the men there were with him. He
was a priest of the Most High God. He blessed 16 Abram and said: Blessed be
Abram by the Most High God, Lord of heaven and earth and blessed be the
Most High God, 1 7 who has delivered your enemies into your hands. And (A-
bram) gave him a tithe of all the flocks of the king of Elam and his allies.
18 Blank Then, the king of Sodom approached and said to Abram: My Lord
Abram, ig give me the people who are mine, who are captive with you, whom
you have rescued from the king of Elam. All the wealth, 20 keep for yourself.
Blank Then Abram answered the king of Sodom: 21 I swear this day by the
Most High God, Lord of heaven and earth, that I will not accept a thread or
a sandal thong 22 or anything of what belongs to you so that you will not say:
From my wealth do 21 Abram’s riches (come), 23 apart from what my boys who
escort me have eaten, and apart from the share of the three men who 24 came
with me; they are owners of their share to give to you. Abram gave back all the
wealth and 25 all the captives and gave (them) to the king of Sodom. And all the
prisoners who were with him from that area he released 26 and freed them all.
Blank 27 After these events, God appeared to Abram in a vision and said to him:
See, 28 ten years have passed since the day you left Haran; you have spent two
years here, seven in Egypt and one 29 since you came back from Egypt. Now
inspect and count up all you possess and see how many times 30 everything
which left with you on the day of your move from Haran has increased. Now,
do not fear, I am with you and for you I shall be 31 support and strength. I shall
be your shield and your buckler against one stronger than you. Your riches and
your flocks 32 shall increase enormously. Blank Abram replied: My Lord God,
great are my riches and my flocks; but what use is all this to me? 33 When I die
1
lQapGen xxn
GENESIS APOCRYPHON
237
I shall go naked and without sons. One of my servants will inherit from me,
34 Eliezer [...] ... But he answered him: He will not inherit from you but
(some)one who has left
238
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q216 I-II
3 The Book of Jubilees
40301111665" (4Q216 [4Qjub“])
Frag. 1 col. 1 ( =Jub 1 : 1-2. 4-7) 3 [Sinai, when he went up to] re[ceive the stone
tablets, the Torah and the statute] by the word of YHWH [according to which
he told him:] 4 [Go up] to the top of the mountain. In the first year] of the
so[ns of Israel] leaving 5 [Egypt, in the] thir[d month, the sixteenth of this
month] yhwh spoke to 6 [Moses saying: Come up to me] on the mountain [and
I will give you the two tablets] of stone, the Torah 7 [and the statute which I
have written in order to te]ach [you. And Moses climbed the mountain of
yhwh and] the glory of yh[wh settled] 8 [on top of Mount Sinai and for six
days the cloud covered it...] 9-70 [...] 11 [...And he showed him the divisions
[of periods for the Law 1 2 [and for the testimony. And he said to him: Pay
attention to all the wo]rds which I tell you 13 [on this mountain and write them
in a book so that] their generations may [know] that he has not forsaken them
14 [for all the evil which they did by breaking the covenant which] I set up to-
day between me and you 13 [for their generations on Mount Sinai. And when]
all these things happen to them 16 [they will know that I have been just with
them in all] their judgments and in all] their curses and they will know 77 [that
in truth I was with them. And you, write] all these wo[rds. . .]
Frag. 1 col. 11 (=Jfub 1:7-15) 2 in the land [which I promised to their fathers,
to Abraham and to Isaac and to Ja]cob, 3 saying: To your offspring [I will give
a land which flows with milk and ho]ney. They will eat and be replete [but they
will turn back] 4 after other gods [who did not save them from any trou]ble.
And the [testimony] will reply to this testimony; bec[ause they will forget all
my statutes, all that I] commanded you and they will go [after] 6 [the nations
and [after their foulnesses and after their disreputableness]. And they will serve
other go[ds who to them will be a hindrance,] 7 trouble, [affliction] and [trap.
Many will be destroyed.] They will be captured and fall [into the hand of the
enemy for] 8 [they will forsake] my laws and [my statutes, the festivals of my
covenant [and my sabbaths and the holy things] 9 which they will dedicate to
me in the mid[st of them and my tent and my] temple [which I made holy for
myself in the midst] 10 of the earth in order to place [my name] in it [and reside
there]. They made for themselves burial mounds, sacred woods and idols]
77 and grovelled in front of a[ll the work]s of their wickedness. [And they will
sacrifice their sons to the devils and to all the works of the wickedness of their
heart.] 12 I shall send them witnesses [to testify against them, but they will not
listen and will kill the witnesses] 13 They will harass those who study the Torah
[and they will alter everything and will start to do what is evil] 14 in my eyes.
And I shall hide my face from them and w ill confsign] them [into the hand of
4Q216 iv-vi
THE BOOK OF JUBILEES
239
the nations for imprisonment,] 13 [for ru|in [and so they can be consumed. I
will remove them from the midst of the land and] scatter them among all the
nations. 16 |They will forget all my laws and all my statutes] and all my teach-
ings and they will forget [the month, the sabbath] 1 7 [the feast, the jubilee and
the covenant. After this they will come back] to me from among the natifons
with all their heart . . .]
Frag. 1 col. iv (=Jub 1 : 26-28) 3 [. . .the first and the] last 4 [and what will come
in all the divisions of the periods for the] Law and for the testimony] 5 [and for
the weeks and the jubilees for ever until I come down] and stay with [them]
6 [for all the centuries of centuries. And he told the angel of the] presence to
dictate 7 [to Moses from the beginning of creation until] my temple is built
8 [in their midst for all the centuries of the centuries, yhwh will reveal himself
to the eyes of] everyone and they will [all] know 9 [that I am the God of Israel
and the father of all the sons of] Jacob and the king 10 [on Mount Zion for all
the centuries of centuries And Zion and Jerusalem [will be holy...]
Frag. 1 col. v (= Jub 2:1-4) 1 [And the angel of the presence told Moses at
God’s command: Write all the wo]rds of the creation: h[ow] 2 [on the sixth day
yhwh Elohim finished all his works and all that he had created] and observed
the sabbath on the [seventh] day 3 [and made it holy for all the centuries and
placed it as a sign for all] his works. Blank 4 [Blank For on the first day he created
the] upper hea[vens,] the earth, 5 [the waters and all the spirits who serve before
him: the angels] of the presence, the angels of ho[liness,] 6 the anfgels of the
spirits of fire, the angels of the spirits of the win]ds and the angels of the spirits
of the [clouds] 7, darkn[ess, ice, frost, dew, snow, hail and hoarjfrost; and the
angels of thufnder] 8 and the angels of the [storm-]winds [and the angels of the
winds of cold and of] heat, of winter and of summer, [all] 9 the spirits of his
creatures [which he made in the heavens and which he made in the ea]rth and
in everything, the abyfsses] 10 the darkness, the dawn [the light, the dusk which
he prepared with his knowledge. Then we saw his deeds and [blessed him]
11 on account of all his deeds and [we praised him in his presence because he
had ma]de seven great works [on the first day.] 12 And on the [second d]ay [he
made the vault in the middle ] of the waters [and the waters were separated on
that day. Half] 13 went up on to[p of the vault and half went down below the
vault which was in its midst, on top of the face of all] 14 the earth [...]
Frag. 1 col. vi (= Jub 2 : 7 - 12) 2 [. . . and the po]ols and all the d[ew of the earth]
3 [the seed for sowing with its seed, every shoot and tree that gives fruit, the]
woods and the garden of Eden [in Eden] 4 [for pleasure and for eating. These
four great works] he did on the thir[d] day. 5 [ Blank On the fourth day yhwh
made the] sun, the moon and the stars. [He placed them] 6 [in the vault of the
240
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q2l6 VI-VII
sky so that could give light to the whole earth] to regulate day and night and to
separate] 7 [light and darkness. And he placed the sun as a] great [sign above
the earth] of the days, the weeks, the mon[ths] 8 [the feasts, the years, the weeks
of years and the ju]bilees and of all the ag[es of the years.] g [It separates light
from darkness and is the vitality by which everything] that sprouts and grows
in the ea[rth prospers.] 10 [These three great works he did on the fourth day.]
Blank 11 [On the fifth day he created the] grea[t cetaceans in the core of the
abys]ses of the wafters, for these] 12 [were the first works of flesh by his hands;
and everything that moves in] the waters, fish and all [the birds] 13 [which fly
and all their species. The sun shone over them for] vigour and over everything
there was on the earth, [everything] 14 [that sprouted from the earth and every
tree that yields fruit and all flesh. These] three great [things] 15 [he did on the
fifth day. Blank ]
Frag. 1 col. VII (=jfub 2 : 13-24) 1 [On the] sixth [day he made] all the animfals
of the earth and all the cattle and everything that slithers over the earth. After
all these] 2 he made man, male and fefmale he made them, and gave them con-
trol over everything there is on the earth and in the seas and over everything
that flies] 3 over the animals and over everything that slithers [creeping over the
earth, and the cattle and over all the earth. Over all these he gave them control.]
4 He made these [four] types [on the sixth day. And in all there were twenty-
two types. And he finished all his works on the sixth day: everything] 5 there
is in the heavens and on the earth [and in the waters and in the abysses, in the
light and in the darkness and in everything. And he gave us a huge sign, on the
day of the] 6 sabbath on which he left off doing [all the works which he had
created over the six days . . . ] 7 they were made in six days [ . . . ] 8 and we observe
the sabbath on the seventh [day (refraining) from all work. For we, the angels
of the presence and all the angels of - these] 9 two classes -he commanded us
[to observe the sabbath with him in the heavens and on the earth. And he said
to us: I am going to isolate for myself] w a people among my peoples. And
[they will keep the sabbath and I will consecrate them as my people and I will
bless them. They will be my people and I w ill be their God.] 11 And I chose the
descendants of Jacob among [all those I saw. And I registered him for me as the
first-born son and consecrated him to me] 12 for ever and ever. The [seventh]
day [I will teach them so that they keep the sabbath on it above all. For I
blessed them and consecrated them as an exceptional people] 13 among all the
nations so that together [with us] they keep [the sabbath. And he lifted up his
statutes like a pleasant perfume which is acceptable in his presence] 14 every
day. Blank [There are twenty-two patriarchs] 15 from Adam to him and twenty
two typ[es of works were done up to the seventh day. One is blessed and holy
and the other is blessed] 16 and holy. One and the other were made together for
holiness [and for blessing. To this one was granted to be blessed and holy for-
ever.] ?7 And this is the testimony and the first Law. [. . .]
1 1Q12 1-6
THE BOOK OF JUBILEES
241
liQjubilees (11Q12 [uQjub])
Frag. 1 (=Jub 4:7-11) 1 [And in the] fourth [year] of the fif]th week they re-
joiced and Adam knew his wife once again] 2 and she bore a son for him and he
named him [Seth for he said: yhwh has raised a seed for us] 3 [in the] earth,
another in place of Abel, since [Cain] killed him. [In the sixth week she bore]
4 [Azu]ra, her daughter. And Cain took his sister [Awan as his wife and she
bore Enoch for him] 5 [at the end of the] fourth [ju]bilee. Blank [In the first year
of the first week] 6 [of the fifth jubilee] they built houses in the la[nd and Cain
built a city and gave it] 7 [the name of his s]on Enoch. And Ad[am knew his
wife Eve and she gave birth to 8 [nine more children. And in the fi]fth we[ek
...]
Frag. 2 (=Jub 4 : 13- 14) ; [And she gave birth to a s]on [for him] in the [third
ye]ar [of the fifth week and gave him the name] 2 [Cainan. And] at the end of
the [eighth ju]bilee [Cainan took for himself a woman, Muhalelet] 3 [his sister]
as a wife. [And she gave birth to a son for him in the ninth jubilee, in the first
week] 4 [in the thi]rd [year] of [that week.]
Frag. 3 (=jfub 4 : 16- 17) / [in the fifth wee]k [of the fourth year of the jubilee
and called him Enoch.] 2 [Bla]nk. He was the first (person) [to learn writing. . .]
Frag. 4 (= Jub 4 : 29-30) 1 [the first to be bur]ied in [the earth, seventy years
short of one thousand] 2 [years, for] a thousand years [are like one day in the
testimony of heaven. This is why] 3 [it was written concerning the tr]ee of
knowledge: For on [the day on which you eat from it, you shall die. This is
why] 4 [he did not complete the] years of that day [.. .]
Frag. 5 (Jub 5:1-2) 1 [. . . those fal]len. And [brutality on earth] increased [and
all flesh perverted] 2 [its way from men to] animals, the bea[sts, the birds and
everything that moves] 3 [over land; all these pe]rverted their ways and their
standards and began to consume each] 4 [other and brutality increased upo]n
earth. [...]
Frag. 6 ( =Jub 12 : 15-17) 1 and [his sons in order to go to the country of Leba-
non and the country of Canaan and he settled in Haran. And Abram stayed]
2 [in Haran] with [Terah his father during two ‘weeks’ of years. Blank And in
the sixth week] 3 in his fifth [year] Abram kept vigil during the night of the first
day of the seventh month to observe 4 the stafrs from the evening to the morn-
ing, in order to see what the yearly cycle would be in relation to the rains. And
it happened that] 5 while he [was sitting alone, watching, a voice came to his
heart and said to him: All the signs] 6 of the stafrs. . .]
242
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q220 . 219
Frag. 7 ( =Jub 12 : 28-29) 1 Blank And it happened that in the sev[enth year] of
the sixth week he spoke to his father and told him] 2 [that] he was leaving
[Haran to go to the land of Canaan to see it and to return to him.] 3 [And his
father] Terah [said] to him [:Go in peace. May the eternal God direct your
path] 4 [and may yhwh be with] you and kee[p you from every evil; may no
son of man overpower you] 5 [to mis]treat you. [...]
4Qjubilees‘ (4Q220 |4Qjub‘ ])
(= Jub 21 : 5 - 10) 1 [... You, my son, keep his pre]cepts [his decrees and his
judgments; do not go after] idols or after [carved or cast effigies.] 2 [And] do not
[eat any blo]od of an animal, cattle or any bird which [flies in the sky. If you
sacrifice] 3 [a victim for] a holocaust or a free-will offering, [you will sacrifice
it and pour the blood over the altar. And all] 4 [the fat] which is for the holo-
caust you shall offer upon the alftar] with the finest flour of its offering mixed
with [oil] 5 [and its libation. And] you will burn everything upon the altar, a
fire-offering with a pleasant fragrance before Elohim. [...] 6 You will offer on
the fire which is upon the altar, and the fat [...] 7 [...] and all the fat which
there is upon the entrails and the kidneys and the [...] 8 and the appendix of
the liver and from the kidneys you shall remove [. . .] 9 with the offering and the
libation for the plea[sant fragrance...] w [You are to eat the flesh the] same
[day] and the following morning and not [. . .]
4Qjubileesl/ (4Q219 [ 4f4j ub'/|)
Col. 1 (=Jub 21 : 14- 16) 11 [And in the sixth year, in] the seventh [week of this
jubilee, Abraham called Isaac, his son,] and commanded him saying: I am old
[and I do not know the day of my death, for I have completed] 13 my days.
Behold, I am [one hundred and seventy-]two [years, and throughout all the
days of my life I have been remembering] 14 our Elohim always and I have been
[seeking him with all my heart. . .] 15-31 [...] 32 [upon] the altar [with the finest
flour of its offering mixed with oil and its libation. And you will burn every-
thing upon] 33 the al[tar, a fire-offering with a pleasant fragrance before
Elohim. And the fat of the thanksgiving sacrifice you will of]fer 34 [on the fire
which is upon the altar, and the fat which is upon the belly, and] all the fat
35 [which is upon the entrails and the kidneys and] all the fat which is upon
them and that which 36 [is on the loins and the appendix of the] liver with the
kidneys you shall remove. You shall offer 37 [the whole for a pleasant fragrance
before Elo]him, with its offering and its libation [for a pleasant (fragrance), the
bread] 38 [of the fire-offering to yhwh. You are to eat its flesh] the same [day]
and the following morfning, and (the sun) will not set upon it.]
4Q219 ■ 221
THE BOOK OF JUBILEES
243
Col. II (=Jub. 21 : 14- 16.18-22 : 1) 11 [...and the aroma of its fragrance does
not ri]se to heaven. Keep 12 [this commandment and carry it out, my son, so
that you will be uprjight in all your actions. 13 [And at every time be pure in
your flesh and wash yourself with water before] going to offer 14-16 [...]
17 [You are not to eat blood any more] because the blood is [the life, and you
are not to eat any blood. You are not to accept] 18 [a bribe for any blood] of
men which is poured out [for no reason, without judgment, because the blood
which is poured out] ig [defiles the earth, and the] earth cannot be [purified
from the human blood except with the blood] 20 [of the one who shed it. Do
not take a bri ]be or atonement for [human blood: blood for blood, and it will be
acceptable] 21 [before yhw]h, God Most High. He will be custodian for [the
goodness, and so you will keep yourself from every] 22 [evil and He will] pro-
tect you from every pestilence. Blank [. . .] 23 [My son: I see that all the labours
[of the human race are evil and sinful and all] 24 [their actions are uncleanness,
abomination] and filth, and there is no truth in them. Blank Be[ware, lest you
walk] 25 [in their ways and] tread in their paths and commit a deadly misdeed
[in front of God Most High] 26 [and He hide his face] from you, give you into
the hands of your fault and obliterate you [from the earth] 27 [and your progeny
from] beneath the sky. And your name and your memory will vanish from the
whole [earth. 1 28 [Refrain from all] their deeds and from all their abominations,
and keep the regulations of God] 29 [Most High and do] His will, and you will
be succesful in everything. He will bless you in all your deeds, [and will cause
to sprout] 30 [from you a plant of] truth in the earth for all the generations of
the earth. And [my name] 31 [and your name] will not cease [from beneath] the
sky for all the days. Blank Be upright, my son, in pea[ce. May he strengthen]
32 [you, the God] Most High, my God and your God, to perform his will and
to [bless your progeny] 33 and the [remnant of your pro]geny for all the eternal
generations w ith every blessing [of truth so that you might be] 34 a blessing [in
all the earth.] Blank And he went out from him rejoicing. Blank 33 [...] In the
first week of the [forty-]third [jubilee, in its] 36 [second year, which is] the year
in which Abraham died, [Isaac and Ishmael] came 37 [from Beer Sheba to cele-
brate] the feast of [weeks] which is the festival of the first fruits.]
4Qjubilees^ (4Q22 1 [4Qjul>/])
Frag. 1 (=Jub 21 : 22-24) 1 Be[ware of walking in their way]s and committing
[a deadly misdeed in front of God Most High] 2 [lest] He hide his face from
you, give you [into the hands of your fault and obliterate you] 3 [from the earth]
and your progeny from beneath the sky. [Blank ...] 4 And your name and your
seed will vanish from the whole earth. [Refrain from all their deeds and from
all] 5 their abominations; keep the regulations of God Most High, [and do His
will and you will be successful] 6 [in everything.] <and from all their abomina-
244
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4QI76 19-21
tions; keep [the regulations of God Most High, [and do his will] 7 [and you
will] be successful in everything.! He will bless you in all [your deeds, and will
cause to sprout from you a plant of truth] 8 [in the earth for all the generations
of the ear]th. And [my name and your names will not cease from beneath the
sky] g [for al]l the days.
3Qjubilees (3Q5 [3Qjub])
Frags. 3+1 (= Jub 23 : 6-7.12-13) z [...and this] was heard in [Abraham’s
house. Blank ] 2 [And Ishmael his son got up and] fled to Afbraham his father.
And he wept for Abraham] 3 [his father, he and all the me]n of the house(hold)
of A[braham; they wept a great deal. And] 4 [Isaac and Ishmael his sons] buried
him in the cave of Macfphelah next to Sara, his wife.]
2Qjubileestf (2Q19 2Qjuba])
[=jfub 23 : 7-8] z [...And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of
Mac]phelah ne[xt to Sara, his wife.] 2 [And for him wept] for forty days all the
me[n of his household, and Isaac and Ishmael and all their sons and all the sons
of Qetura] 3 [in their places.] Blank [And the mourning ended,] 4 [the lament for
Abra]ham. He had lived for three jubilees and fo[ur weeks of years, one hun-
dred and seventy-five years and he ended] 5 [the days of his life] old and replete
with days. [. . .]
4Qjubilees^(4Qi76fragments 19-21 [4Qjul/|)
Frags. 19-20 ( =Jub 23 : 21-23) 1 [•■• They invoke the great name, however
neither in tru]th nor in justice, 2 [and they defile the Holy of Holies with his
impur]ity and with the defsolation of abomination.] Great punishment there
will be against the works of this generation 3 [on the part of the Lord who will
deliver them] to the sword, to the judgment, to [the bondage] to pillage and to
be devoured. He will rouse against them 4 [the sinners of the nations who will
have neither mercy nor compas]sion towards them, and [who will not] respect
any[body nor]
Frag. 21 (=Jub 23 : 30-31) z And their ene[mies] will see [all their judgments]
2 in all their cur[se. Their bones will rest in the earth] 3 and their spirits [w ill
rejoice exceedingly and they will know that] 4 a God exists who administers
[justice and has mercy] 5 to the thousands] and the my[riads who love him.]
1Q17- 18 . 2Q20
THE BOOK OF JUBILEES
245
1 (Jubilees" (1Q17 [lQjub"])
[=Jub 27 : 19-21] 1 [...] Blank [...] 2 [And Jacob left Beersheba to] go to Haran
in the first [year of the second week of the forty-fourth jubilee] 3 [and reached
Luz] which is on the mountain -it is Bethel -[the first (day) of the first month
of that week.] 4 [And he reached] the pl[ace in the eve]ning and he moved off
the path, to the ri[ght, that night and spent the night there, because the sun had
set.] 5 [And he to]ok one of the stones of that place [and placed it as a pillow
under the tree and lay there] 6 [for he] travelled alone. [...]
1 (Jubilees* (1Q18 [tcjub*])
[=jfub 35 : 8 - 10] 1 [...with] me about your death. Blank [...] 2 [And she fled to
Isaac and said to him: One request] I ask of you. Make Esau swear that 3 [he
will not bully Jacob, his brother and that he will not harass] him with enmity,
for you know Esau’s nature which is 4 [evil from his youth and you know all
that he has do]ne from the day on which [his brother Jac]ob fl[ed] to Haran
[right till today.]
2Qjubilees* (2Q20) [2(Jub"])
[= Jub 46 : 1 - 3] 1 [... And they were very fruitful] 2 [and multiplied greatly
during ten] weeks of years, a[ 11 the days of Joseph’s life.] 3 [And he had neither
rival nor any evil] all the days of Joseph’s life whicfh he lived after] 4 [his father
Jacob, for all Egypt] paid hono[ur to Jacob’s sons] 5 [all the days of Joseph’s
life. And Joseph died at the age of] one hundred and te[n years]
4QPseudo Jubilees' (4Q227 [4QPsJub‘J)
1 [. . .] Enoch, after we had taught him 2 [...] six jubilees of years 3 [. . .] of the
earth, among the sons of men and he gave witness against them all 4 [. . .] and
also against the Watchers and he wrote everything 5 [. . .] of the heavens and the
paths of their armies and [. . .] 6 [. . .] so that they would not stray [. . .]
246
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q201 I -II
4 The Books of Enoch
4QEnoch" (4Q201 [4QEn" ar])
Col. 1 (= 1 Enoch 1:1-6) 1 [Words of blessing with which] Enoch [blessed] the
chosen [just ones, who will be present on the day of distress to eliminate all the
enemies and wicked people,] 2 [while the just will be saved. Enoch, a just man
to whom a vision of the Holy One and of heaven was revealed, announced] his
oracles saying: [The vision of the Holy One of heaven] 3 [was revealed to me,
and I heard] all the words of the Wat[chers] and of the Holy Ones [and because
1 heard it from them, I knew and understood everything] 4 [I will not speak for
this] generation but a future generation. [Now I speak about the chosen, con-
cerning them I declare my oracle, saying:] 5 The Great Holy One will leave [his
dwelling and the eternal God will descend upon the earth and will walk to
Mount Sinai and will appear] 6 [with his great army] and will rise in the
strength of his might [from the height of the heavens. All the Watchers will
shake and will be punished in secret places] 7 [in all the lim]its of the earth; all
the limits of the earth will split [and they will be seized with shuddering and
fear as far as the edges of the earth. They will split and fall] 8 [and] the peaks
[will melt] and [the high mountains will be flattened. . .]
Col. 11 (= Enoch 2 : 1 - 5 : 6) 1 [they appear in their constellations] and they do not
overstep his command. Notice the earth and scrutinise his works 2 [from the
first to the] last, how none alter and everything is obvious to you. Notice the
indications 3 [of the summer: . . .] above it. And the indications of winter: how
all the earth 4 [is filled with water] and the clouds drip rain. Notice how all the
trees turn white 5 [and lose all their leaves, ap]art from fourteen trees whose
leaves survive 6 [and do not renew their leaves until] two or three years [go by].
Notice the indications 7 [of summer: how then (in it) the sun burns] and warms
and you look for shade and relief from it 8 [upon the scorching face of the
earth] without finding a way of walking through the dust or the stones owing
to g [the heat. Notice and understand all the] trees; in all of them green leaves
sprout and cover 10 [the trees, and all their fruits are for] decoration and show.
Exalt and contemplate all these works u [and realise that God, who lives [for
eternity, has made all these works. Year 12 [after year his works do not alter,
instead] they all carry out his word. However, you alter your works 13 [and do
not carry out his word, instead you offend] against him with great and harsh
[words] with your unclean mouth 14 [against his greatness. Hard-hearted ones]
there will be no peace for you! This is why you will curse your days and 13 [the
years of the your life will perish. . .] The years of your destruction will increase
with an everlasting curse. There will be no mercy ?6 [or peace for you. This is
why your name will be] (an) everlasting curse [for all the just ones and through
4Q201 in — IV
THE BOOKS OF ENOCH
247
you will be cursed] 17 [all the accursed; and all the sinners and evil ones will
swear by you,] and to all [the sinners. . . J
Col. Ill (= 1 Enoch 6 : 4 - 8 : 1) 1 They will all say to him: We take [an oath and
swear, all under oath, one to another not to] 2 go back on this enterprise [until
we have completed this work. Then they] 3 all [took an oath] together and they
promised [each other. They were two hundred, all who went down] 4 in the
time of Yared upon the [peak of Mount] Hermon. [They called the mountain
‘Hermon’] 5 because they took an oath and swore under oath [with each other
upon] it. These are [the names of their chiefs] 6 Shemihazah, who [was his
chief; ’Ar’teqo]f, second to him; Ramt’el, [third] 7 to him; Kokab’el, [fourth to
him; ...-’el, fifjth to him; Ra’ma’el, [sixth to him;] 8 Dani’el, seventh [to him;
Zeq’el, eighth] to him; Baraq’el, ninth [to him;] 9 cAsa’el, tenth [to him;
Hermoni, eleventh] to him; Matar’el, twelfth [to him;] 10 Anan’el, thirteenth
[to him; Sato’el, fourteenth to him; Shamshif’el, fift]?;eenth to him; Sahari’el,
sixteenth to him; Tumi’el, seventeenth to him;] 12 Turi’el, eighteenth to him;
Yomi’el, nineteenth to him; [Yehadi’el, twentieth to him.] 13 These are the
chiefs of the chief-of-tens. They and their chiefs [all took for themselves]
14 women, choosing (from) among (them) all, and [they began to penetrate
them, and be defiled by them] ;j and taught them sorcery, [incantations and the
cutting of roots and to explain herbs.] 16 They became pregnant by them, and
[gave birth to giants, some three thousand cubits tall, who] 17 were born upon
the earth [in keeping with their infancy and grew at the rate of their growth and
consumed] 18 the work of all the sons of men, without [the men being able to
supply them. The giants] 19 plotted to kill the men [and to consume them.
They began to sin and to ...] 20 against all the birds and animals of the earth
[and against the reptiles who move upon the earth and in the waters] 21 and in
the sky and the fish of the sea and for some to consume the flesh [of the others
and drink the blood. Then| 22 [the earth denounced the] wicked [for all that
had been done to it.] 23 [‘Asa’el taught men] to [apply...]
Col. iv (= Enoch 8:3-9:3.6-81 1 Shemihazah taught incantations [and (how) to
cut roots; Hermoni taught (how) to undo magic,] 2 sorcery, magic and skills;
[Baraq’el taught the signs of the shafts; Kokab’el taught] 3 the signs of the stars;
Zeq’el [taught the signs of the lightning; ’Ar’teqof taught the signs of the
earth;] 4 Shamsi’el taught the signs of the sun; [Sahari’el taught the signs of]
the moon. [All began) 5 [to reveal] secrets to their wives. Since [a section of
men] was expiring on the earth, their outcry 6 went right up to [the sky. Then]
Michael, [Sariel,] Raphael, Gabriel gazed 7 from the sanctuary [of the heavens
to the earth and saw] much blood spilt [upon the earth] and all [the earth] 8 was
filled with the [evil] and violence perpetrated upon it. [Hearing this the four of
them went] 9 and said to themselves [that the] outcry and the wail for the [de-
248
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q201 . 202
struction of the sons of the earth went right up to] 10 [the gates of heaven. [And
the holy ones of heaven said: It is now to you, holy ones of heaven] u to whom
[the souls of the sons of men appeal saying:] 12-18 [. ..] ig [.. . in the ear]th and
[every trick in] 20 [the dry land. For they have taught the eternal mysteries
which exist in heaven so that the cognoscenti] 21 [from among men] perform
them. And (see) Shemihazah, to whom you gave jurisdiction] to rule over all
[his fellows.] 22 [They have gone to the daughters of men of the earth and have
slept with those women] becoming defiled [by them.]
Col. v (= 1 Enoch 10:3-4) 3 [■■ .Teach] the just man [what he had to do and the
son of Lamech] to save [his soul for life] 4 [and to escape] for [ever. And] for
him a plant will be planted and all the generations] of the world [will be
founded.] 5 [He said to Raphael;] Go, [then, Raphael and bind Azael hand and
foot and hur]l him into [darkness.]
Col. vi (= 1 Enoch 10:21-22) j [And all the sons of men will succeed in being]
just [and all of them w ill worship me; every nation] 4 [will bless me] and grovel.
[The whole earth will be cleansed of all defilement and all] 5 [impurity. And]
I shall [not again] send [upon them either anger or punishment for all the gen-
erations] 6 [of the world...]
4QEnoch/’ (4Q202 |4QFn/' ar])
Col. 11 (= 1 Enoch 5:9-6:4 + 6:7-8:11 1 [a]ll the days [of your life...] 2 It hap-
pened that when [in those days the sons of men increased,] 3 pretty and attrac-
tive [daughters were born to them. The Watchers, sons of the sky, saw them
and lusted for them] 4 and said [to each other: Let’s go and pick out women
from among the daughters of men and sire for ourselves] 5 [sons. However,
Shemihazah, who was their chief, said to them: I am afraid you do not want to
carry out] 6 [this deed and I alone will be guilty of a great sin. They replied and
all] said [to him:] 7 We [all take an oath and all swear under oath to each other
not to go back on this] venture [until] 8 we have performed [this deed...]
9-14 [...] is [‘Anan’el, thirteenth to him; Sato’el, fourteenth] to him;
[Shamshi’el, fifteenth] 16 [to him; Shahari’el, sixteenth to him; Tu]mi’el, seven-
teenth to him; {Yomi’el} Turi’el, 17 [eighteenth to him; Yomi’el, nineteenth] to
him; Yehadif’el, twentieth [to him. /They] are the chiefs of the chief-of-
tens.]/ 18 [They and their chiefs all took for themselves] women, choosing
(from?) among all and they began 19 [to penetrate them and be defiled by them
and teach them] sorcery, incantations [and the cutting of roots] 20 [and to ex-
plain herbs. They became pregnant by them and gave birth to giants, some
three] 21 [thousand cubits tall, who were born upon the earth in keeping with
their infancy and grew at the rate of their growth and] consumed 22 [the work
4Q202 III — IV
THE BOOKS OF ENOCH
249
of all the sons of men, without the men being able to supply them. The
giants] 23 [plotted to kill the men and to consume them and they began to sin
and to . . . against] 24 [all the birds and animals of the earth and] the reptiles
[which move upon the earth and in the sea] 25 [and in the skies and the fish of
the sea/ and for some to consume the flesh of the others and] drink the
blood./ 25b [Then the earth denounced the wicked for all] that had been
done on it. 26 ‘Asa’el taught [men] to manufacture swords of iron and breast-
[plates of copper and showed them] 27 what is dug up [and how] /they could
work the go[ld to leave it reajdy;/ /and as for/ silver, /to emboss it/ for brace-
lets [and other jewellery for women.] 28 [To the women he divulged] about
antimony and eye-shadow [and all the precious stones] 29 [and about dyes...]
Col. hi (= Enoch 812-9:4) 1 [wickedness became great and they] stray[ed in all
their paths. Shemihazah] taught [incantations] 2 [and (how) to cut roots;
Hermoni] taught (how) to remove magic, [sorcery, magic and skills; Baraq’el]
taught [the signs of] 3 [the rays; Kokab’el] taught the signs of the stars; [Zeq’el
taught the signs of the lightning; ...’el taught] 4 [the signs of ...; ’Ar’]taqof
taught the signs of the earth; [Shamshi’el taught the signs of the sun; Sahari’el]
5 [taught the signs of the moon.] And all began to reveal [secrets to their wives.
Since] 6 [a section of men was expiring on the earth,] their outcry [went right
up to the sky.] 7 [Then] Michael, Sariel, [Raphael and] Gabriel gazed from the
sanctuary [of the heavens] to the earth 8 [and saw much blood spilt] upon the
earth; [and all the earth was filled with the evil and violence perpetrated]
g [upon it. Hearing this the four of them went and said to themselves that the
outcry and the wail] 10 [for the destruction of the sons of the earth [went] right
[up] to the gates [of heaven. And they said to the holy ones of heaven: It is now
to you,] 11 [holy ones of heaven] to whom [the souls of the sons of men appeal
saying: Take our case in front of the Most High] 12 [and our destruction in
front of the Majestic Glory and in front of the Lord of all the lords in re-
spect of majesty.] 13 [Ra]phael and Michael, [Sariel and Gabriel] went [and said
in front of the Lord of the world:] 14 [You are] our great Lord, [you are] the
Lord of the world; [you are the God of gods and the Lord of lords and the
King of kings.] 15 [The heavens are the throne] of your glory for all the genera-
tions which exist since eternity [and all the earth is the footstool in front of you
for all of eternity] 16 [and your name is great and] holy and blessed for eve[r. . .]
Col. iv (= 1 Enoch 10:8- 12) 1-4 [...]5 [all] sin. [And to Gabriel] the Lord [said]:
Go [to the bastards and the sons of whoring and exterminate] 6 [the son]s of the
Watchers [from among the sons of men; involve them in] a war of attrition [for
there will not be) lo[ng days for them.] 7 [Absolutely no] re[quest in their favour
will be granted to their fathers; for they hope to li]ve an [everlasting] life [or
that] 8 [each one of them will live five hundred years. And to Michael the Lord
250
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q204 I- II
said: Go, Michael and] tell 9 [Shemihazah and all his friends] who coupled with
[women to be defiled by them in their uncleanness that] 10 their sons will expire
and they will [see the extermination of their loved ones; chain them up for]
seventy generations in the valleys] ?/ of the earth until the great day [of his
judgment. . .]
Col. vi (= Enoch 14:4-6) 1-4 [. . .may your request] 5 [not be granted to you for
all the days of eternity, and] the verdict against y[ou be decided and pro-
nounced;] 6 [right from now may you not] return [to heaven or ascend for all]
7 [eternity;] ver[dict is pron]ounced to shackle you in the prisons of the earth
for all the days of eternity;] 8 [before this may you see] all your loved ones and
all their sons [go to destruction] 9 and [not enjoy] the belongings [of your loved
ones and their sons,] 10 may they fall before you by the destructive sword...]
4QEnoch‘ (4Q204 |4QEn‘ ar])
Col. 1 (= 1 Enoch 1:9-5: 1) 1-15 [...] 16 [when he comes with] the myriads of his
holy ones [to carry out the sentence against everyone; and he will destroy all the
wicked] 17 [and he will accuse all] flesh for all their [wicked deeds which they
have committed by word and by deed] 18 [and for all their] arrogant and wicked
[words which wicked sinners have directed against him. Weigh up] 19 all the
deeds [and notice] the work of [the heavens and the luminaries which do not
alter their courses] 20 in the locations of their lights; how they all [rise and set,
each one of them in its turn.] 21 Notice the earth and weight up its works,
[from the first to the last; how none] 22 alters and everything is evident to you.
[Notice the signs...] 23 [...] which all [...] 24 [...] apart from fourteen trees
w hose] 23 [leaves survive until] two or three years [go by. Notice] 26 [the indica-
tions of summer: how (in it) the] sun burns and warms [and you look for shade
and relief] 27 [before it upon the] scorching [face] of the earth w ithout finding
a way of walking through the dust or the stones owing to the heat. 28 [Notice
and understand] all the trees; on all of them green [leaves sp]rout and on them
29 [they become green, and all their fruits] are for decoration and show. Exalt
and [contemplate all these works] 30 [and realise that the living God,] who
[lives] for all the everlasting [centuries has made everything.]
Col. 11 (= 1 Enoch 6:7) 1-23 [...] 24 These are the names of their chiefs:
[Shemihazah, who was his chief; ’Arcteqof, second to him; Rama’el,] 25 third
[to him;] Kokab’el, fourth to him; [...-’el, fifth to him; Racma’el, sixth to him;]
26 Dani’el, sefventh to him;] Zeq’el, eighth [to him; Baraq’el, ninlth to him;
‘■Asa’fel, tenth to him;] 27 and Hermoni, [eleventh to him; Matrafel, twelfth
to him;] cAnan’el, thirteenth to him; Sato’el, 28 [fourteenth [to him;]
Shamshi’el, [fifteenth to him;] Sahari’el, sixteenth to him; 29 Tu[mi’el, seven-
4Q202 V-VI
THE BOOKS OF ENOCH
251
teenth to him; Turi’el, eighteenth to him; Yomi’ejl, nineteenth to him; 30 [Ye-
hadi’el, twentieth to him. These are the chiefs of ten...]
Col. v (= Enoch 10 : 13 - 19 + 12 : 3) 1 [and to] torture and to [confinement in the]
everlasting [prisonf Everyone to be sentenced will be lost right from now; he
will be shackled with them until the destruction] 2 [of his generation.] And at
the moment [of the judgment by which] I shall judge they will die for all the
[generations. Exterminate all the spirits of the bastards and of the sons of]
3 [the Watchers, because they have caused evil to be done to men.] Exterminate
the sin from [the face of the earth, make every evil deed disappear] 4 [and make
the] plant of justice [appear; it will be a blessing and the deeds of just men will
be planted in enjoyment for ever.] 5 [At that time all the just] will escape and
live [until they sire thousands]. All the days of 6 [your youth and of] your old
age will be achieved in peace. . .] 7 [Then all the earth will be tilled] in justice
and it will all be planted [with trees and filled with blessing. All the trees] 8 [of
the earth w hich they wish for will be planted in it and in it they will plant vines
and each vine] planted in it 9 [will yield a thousand amphoras of wine and each
seed sown in it will yield] a thousand [seahs for every] 10 [seah ...] 11-18 [...]
19 [I, Enoch, was starting to bless the Lord of Majesty, the King of the Centu-
ries, when] here there was the Watcher 20 [of the Great Holy One. . .] 21-30 [. . .]
Col. vi (= 1 Enoch 13 : 6- 14 : 16) 1 with [all] their request for their souls for each
and all of [their deeds and for all those who asked: for them there might be]
2 [forgiveness and long life.] I fled [and sat next to the waters of Dan, in the
country of Dan, which is to the south of] Hermonim at its Western side, 3 [and
I was reading the book of records] of their requests [until I fell asleep. Behold,
dreams came to me and visions fell upon me] so that [I lifted] 4 my eyelids to
the portals of the [palace of heaven. . .] 5 And I saw a vision of the severity of
the punishment. [And a voice came and said to me: Speak to the sons of heaven
to admonish them. When I woke up I went] 6 to them. They were all assembled
together and seated and [weeping in Abel-Maya (The Spring of Weeping)
which is between the Lebanon and Senir, with covered faces.] 7 Blank In front
of them I related all [the visions which I had seen in dreams and I began to
speak] 8 with words of justice and of vision and to admonish the [heavenly]
Watchers. 9 Blank Book of the words of truth |and of the admonishing of the
Watchers who had always existed, according to the command of J 10 [the Great
Holy One] in the dream which [I dreamt. In that vision I saw' in my dream
what I now speak with a tongue of flesh, with the breath of my mouth,]
II which the Great One gave the sons [of men so they can speak [with it and so
they can understand in (their) heart. So just as God has intended and created
the sons of men so they can understand] 12 the words of knowledge, he has
intended and made and created me to adm[onish the Watchers, the sons of
252
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q204 VIII -XI I
heaven. I wrote down your request, Watchers,] 13 and in a vision was revealed
to me that [your request will not be granted to you for all the days of eternity
and that there will be a verdict against you by decision] 14 and pronouncement;
that right from now [you will not return to heaven or ascend for all the ages;
and that the verdict has been pronounced] 15 [to shackle you in the prisons of
the earth] for all the days of eternity; [but that before you will see that all your
loved ones will go to destruction with all] 16 their sons; and you will not enjoy
use of the possessions of your loved ones [and of their sons; they will fall in
your presence by the sword] 1 7 of destruction, for your request for [them will
not be granted you just as it is not granted to yourselves. You will carry on]
18 asking and entreating [. . .You are not to utter even one word] ig of the writ-
ing which I have written. [This was revealed to me in the vision: Behold, in the
vision, the clouds were calling me, the mists] 20 shouted to me and the thunders
and lightnings [urged me and ... In the vision, the winds caused me to fly, they
lifted me up] 21 on high, they took me and placed me in [the heavens. I entered
them until I reached the wall of a building made of hailstones] 22 and encircled,
so as to be completely surrounded by tongues of fire [which began to alarm me
and to ... I entered through these tongues of fire] 23 [until] I reached a huge
house [made of hailstones; the walls of this house were like stone planks; they
were all] 24 [of snow and the floor w]as made of snow. [The roof was like thun-
ders and lightnings and between them, cherubim of fire; and its sky was of
water.] 25 [A burning fire surrounded] all the walls [encircling them completely.
And the doors were of burning fire. I entered this house which was as hot]
26 [as fire and as cold as] snow; [in it were none of the pleasures of life. Fear
shrouded me and trembling clutched me.] 27 [I was shivering and shaking] and
fell [on my face and a vision was revealed to me: Behold I saw another door
which opened] 28 [in front of me and another house which] was larger than this,
all of it [made of tongues of fire. All of it was so much better than the other in
grandeur, glory] 29 [and majesty that I] cannot describe to you [its grandeur and
majesty. Its floor was of fire,] 30 [its upper part was of thunders and lightnings
and its roof of burning fire. It was revealed to me and in it I saw a raised throne
and its appearance...]
Col. viii (= 1 Enoch 18:8- 12) 1-12 [. . . the top] 27 of the throne was [of sapphire.
I saw a burning fire; beyond those mountains there is a place on the other side
of the great earth,] 28 and there [the heavens e]nd. [Then I was shown a great
abyss between pillars of heavenly fire and I saw] 29 in it pillars [of fire which
go down to the bottom: its height and its depth were immeasurable. And be-
yond] 30 this afbyss ...]
Col. xii (= 1 Enoch 30:1-32:1) 1-22 [...] 23 [.. .and beyond] them I went away,
24 [very much to the east, and I saw another huge place with valleys with abun-
4Q204 4-5
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253
dant water inj which there were sweet-smelling reeds 25 [comparable to the
mastic; and on the sides of these valleys I saw] the aromatic cinnamon. And
beyond [these] valleys 26 [I went on to the East. I was shown] other mountains
and in those, too, I saw trees from which issued 27 [the resin called tsaru and
galbanum.] Further from this mountain I was shown [another] mountain 28 [to
the East of the limits of the earth, and] all the trees were full of ..., which is
comparable to almond peel. 29 [When ... in these trees] there comes from them
a fragrant aroma; when these peels are ground up, 30 [they are superior to any
fragrance. Beyond these mountains,] towards the North-east of them, I was
shown mountains
Col. xiii (= 1 Enoch 35 (?) + 36:1-4) 1-22 [. . .] 23 the open doors [. . .] 24 their
number. Blank Then [...] 25 From there I was conveyed to the South of the
e[nds of the earth, and there I was shown their three open doors] 26 for the
South wind, for the dew and the rain [and for. . . From there I was conveyed to
the East of the ends of the earth and there] 27 I was shown their three doors,
[open to the East. . .] 28 of the sky. 29 Blank 30 Then ...[...]
Frag. 4 (= 1 Enoch 89 : 3 1 -37) ,[.. .] And they were all startled and shaking [in
front of him.] 2 [And they shouted to the lamb, which was its second,] which
was in their midst: «We are unable to be in front [of the Lord».] 3 [Then the
lamb w ho led them turned,] and climbed for a second time to the top of that
rock. But the flock began to go blind 4 [and move off the path which he had
indicated to them] without the lamb realising these matters. The Lord of the
flock grew extremely angry against [the flock] 5 [and the lamb knew it and came
dow n from the top of that rockj and came to the flock and found most of them
blind 6 [and astray. When they saw him they began to get alarmed in fr]ont of
him, trying to return to their pens. 7 [The lamb took other lambs with him and
came to the] flock. They butchered all the strays and they began to tremble
8 [in front of him . . . Then] this lamb made all the stray flock return to their
pens. 9 [When the stray flock had returned to their pens, this lamb] busied
himself with scolding, killing and punishing whoever had sworn by 10 [...I
continued seeing this dream until] that lamb turned into a man, built a
Taberfnacle] , , [for the Lord of the flock and took all the flock to that Taberna-
cle. I continued looking until] that lamb who had joined [him fell asleep.]
Frag. 5 col. 1 (= 1 Enoch 104: 13- 106:2) 7-19 [...] 20 [... They shall believe in
them and exult in them;] all [the just] will exult 21 [in learning from them all
the paths of justice. In those days the Lord counted them] among the sons of
the earth 22 [to read to them and to give them witness concerning their wisdom,
saving: Show it to him si|nce you will be 23 [their guides and you will be re-
warded among all the sons of the earth. You shall have] all 24 [reward. Exult,
254
PARA — BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q204 . 205
then, sons of justice ...] 25 [...] 26 [After a time, I, Enoch, took a woman for
Methuselah, my son and she bore him a son to whom I gave] the name Lamech
27 [saying: «Surely justice has been demeaned until this day». When he reached
adulthood, Methuselah took] a woman [for him] and she 28 [became pregnant
by him and gave birth to a son for him. When the child was born his flesh was
whiter than the snow and] redder 29 [than the rose and all his hair was white
like pure wool, lush and shiny. When he opened his eyes he lit up the] whole
30 [house like the sun . . .]
Frag. 5 col. 11 (= 1 Enoch 106 : 13-107 : 2) 1-15 [. . .] [. . .Then I, Enoch, replied
saying:] 1 7 Surely [the Lord] will [restore his law upon the earth, according to
what I saw and related to you, my son.] In the days of Yared, my father, 18 they
infringed [the word of the Lord . . . they si]nned and infringed . . . they changed
in order to go ig [with women and sin with them; they married some of them
who gave birth to creatures not like the spirits but made of flesh.] 20 There will
be [great anger and flood over the ear]th [and there will be great devastation for
a year. But this boy] 21 born to you [and his three sons] will be sa[ved when
those there are above] the earth [die. Then will rest] 22 the earth, and it will be
cleansed from the great corruption. [Now say to Lamech: He is your son] truly
[and . . . this] 23 boy [who was born.] He is to be called [Noah, for he will be
your repose when you repose in him;] 24 [and he will be your deliverance, for]
he [and his sons] will be delivered [from the depravity of the earth -caused by
the actions of all sinners] 25 [and by the wicked of the earth-which] will occur
in his days. Subsequently there will be even worse wickedness [than this which
will have taken place] 26 in his days. For I know the mysteries [of the Lord
which] the Holy Ones have told me and have shown me [and which] 27 I
read in [the tablets] of heaven. In them I saw written that generation after gen-
eration will perpetrate evil in this way and there will be wickedness [until there
arise] 28 generations of justice and the wickedness and corruption end and vio-
lence [vanishes] from the earth, and until [goodness comes to the earth]
29 above them. Blank Now, go to Lamech, your son, and [say to him] 30 that this
boy is in truth and without lies his son. [Blank ].
4QEnoch‘/ (4Q205 [4QEn‘y ar])
Frag. 1 col. I (= 1 Enoch 22 : 13-24: 1) 1 [. . .] on the day of judgment they will be
tormented outside [of there and they will not be removed] outside of there.
2 [Then I blessed the Lord of Majesty] and said: Blessed be the judgment of
justice [and blessed be the Lord] of Majesty 3 [and Justice, who is the Lord of
the World.] From there I was conveyed to another place, [to the West of the
ends of the earth and I] was shown 4 [a fire which flows without resting] or
interrupting its flow [either by day or by night,] remaining steady at the same
4Q205
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255
time. 5 [I asked, saying: What is that which has] no rest at all? [Ra’u’el answered
me: This is its] purpose: this tire 6 [which flows towards the West directs the
luminaries of the] sky. [And he showed me mountains:] the ground between
them [was of burning fire] 7 [which flamed up at night . . .]
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= 1 Enoch 25 '.7-2.7 : 1) ; [he gets up] in front of him, who pre-
pares [such things for men, for the just ones.] These things [he has created and
has promised to give them. From there] 2 [I was conveyed to the] centre of the
earth and saw a blessed place] in which there were trees [whose branches blos-
somed continuously.] 3 [There I was shown a holy mountain; and there was
water coming out] from underneath [the mountain, from the East, and going
down towards the South.] 4 [...] Blank [...] 5 [And 1 saw in the East another
mountain, much higher] than this and between them a deep ravine [which had
no breadth, through which flowed] 6 [the water which came from underneath
the mountain. And to] its [West] another mountain [much lower than this, w ith
no height,] 7 [and a deep, dry ravine beneath it and] between them [there was
another ravine between the three mountains. All the ravines were deep] 8 [and
of hard rock and there were no trees planted in them.] I was amazed at the
mountains [and I was amazed at the ravines, I was absolutely amazed.] 9 [Then
I said: Why is this land] blessed [and completely covered with trees...?]
Frag. 2 col. I (= Enoch 89:11-14) 1-23 [...] 24 [... and they began to bite and]
chase one 25 [another. The white bull which had been born in their midst sired
a wild ass and also a white bullock.] And the wild asses 26 [increased in number.
The white bullock, which had been sired by the white bull, sired] a black wild
boar and a [white] ram. 27 [The wild boar sired several wild boars and the ram
sired twel]ve [ewes.] 28 [When these twelve ewes had grown, they gave one ewe]
from among them to the wild asses and the wild asses 29 [gave this lamb to the
wolves. And the ewe grew up among wolves. The ram guided] all the ewes
Frag. 2 col. 11 (= 1 Enoch 89:29-31) 7-26 [...] 27 [and then we climbed to the top]
of a high [rock and the Lord of the flock sent her in the middle of the flock;]
28 [and they all kept their distance.] Blank [. . .] 29 |Then I looked and behold the
Lord of the flock got up in front] of the flock: his aspect was mighty, magnifi-
cent and dreadful, [and all] 30 [the flock saw him and became afraid in front of
him. They were all] quaking and frightened [in front of him]
Frag. 2 col. in (= 1 Enoch 89:43-44) 7-25 [...] 26 [...and this ram began] 27 to
butt [and to chase with his horns, to hit the foxes and then the wild boars; and
he destroyed 28 many wild boars [and then set the dogs free. The ewe, whose
eyes had opened, gazed] 29 at this ram [until he abandoned his path, and began
to strike the flock and throw them to the ground and he began to walk off]
30 the path. Blank [. . .]
256
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q206 1-4
4QEnoch‘ (4Q206 [4QEn' ar])
Frag. 1 (= 1 Enoch 22:3-7) 1 [the souls] of all the sons of men. Thus, then,
these are the wells which function as a prison for them. 2 They are made in this
way up to the day on which they will be judged, up to the instant of the last day
on which 3 the Great Judge will deal with them. Blank There I saw the spirit
4 of a dead man, blaming; and his lament rose up to heaven, shouting and
blaming. 5 [Then I asked Raphael,] the Watcher and Holy One who [was with
me] 6 [and said to him:] Whose is [this spirit which is blaming, whose groan in
this fashion] 7 [rises up to heaven, shouting and blaming? He answered] me
[saying: This is]
Frag. 2 (= 1 Enoch 28:3-29:2 + 31:2-32:3) 1-2 [...] 3 [...] one [... which
flowed towards the North-east, taking the water and the dew to every section.]
4 [From there] I went to another place [in the desert and I moved away] 5 [a
great deal] to the East [from this] location. [There I saw uncultivated trees
which] 6 gave off [an aroma of incense and myrrh...] 7-13 [...] 14 [... in] it, it
is full of resin and is like the bark] 13 [of the almond tree. When] their bark is
crushed it is superior to any fragrance. Beyond] 17 these [mountains] towards
the North-east of them, I was shown (still) other mountains 18 [full of] choice
nard, mastic, cardamum and pepper. Blank From there I went on 1 9 [to the] East
of all those mountains, far from them, to the East of the land; I was taken
20 [above] the Red Sea and I moved very far from it; I crossed at the height of
21 darkness, far from it, and was taken to the side of the Paradise of Justice.
Frag. 3 (= 1 Enoch 32:3-6 + 33:3-34:1) 1 And I was shown fr[om afar, trees
in it, over-abundantly numerous and huge trees] 2 differing [from each other.
There I saw a tree which was different from all the others, very large] 3 and
[beautiful and splendid...] 4-g [...] 10 [and] your first mother, and they learnt
[wisdom and their eyes opened and they understood] 11 that they were naked.
[...] 12-18 [...] ig [...Uriel, one of] the Watchers. And [he showed] me 20 [and
wrote down everything for me; he even wrote down their names for me,] in
accordance with their times. 21 [From there I was conveyed to the North of the
edges of the earth] and I was shown great works.
Frag. 4 col. 1 (= Enoch 88:3-89:6) 1-9 [. . .] 10 [. . . I continued watching in my
dream, when, behold one] of 11 [the four who had left received a command
from heaven and he took all the] numerous stars 12 [whose sexual organs were
like those of horses, and he] bound [them] all hand and foot and hurled them
13 [into an abyss in the earth. One of the four] went to one of the [white] bulls
14 |and instructed him. He bu|ilt for himself a boat, and the boat was covered
and roofed 16 [above them. I was] watching and behold, seven streams pouring
4Q2o6 4 ii- hi
THE BOOKS OF ENOCH
257
out 17 [abundant water over the earth.] And behold, the reservoirs in the inte-
rior of the earth opened and they began 18 [to spout and lift up the water over
it.] I continued to watch until the earth was covered by the water 1 g [and by
darkness and mists (?) which] hung over it. The bulls were submerged and
swallowed 20 [and destroyed by that w ater.] The boat floated on top of the wa-
ter and all the bulls, 21 [the wild asses, the camels] and the elephants sank in the
water.
Frag. 4 col. 11 (= 1 Enoch 89:7 - 16) /[Once again I watched in] my dream, until
[those streams shut off from that elevated roof ] 2 [and the sluices] of the reser-
voirs closed [and other reservoirs opened. The water began] 3 to sink to its
interior, until [the water] vanished [from the surface of the land, and it
emerged, and the boat] 4 rested upon the land; [darkness withdrew and there
was light. 5-8 [. . .] 9 [. . . and there was born] 10 in the midst [of them a white
bull. And they began to bite and chase one] n another. [The white bull sired
a wild ass and also a white bullock. And the w ild asses increased in number. |
12 The [white] bullock, [which had been sired by the white bull, sired a black
w ild boar and a white ram;] 13 [the wild boar sired several wild boars and the
ram sired] 14 twelve ewes. [When they had grown, they gave one from among
those ewes to the wild asses,] 15 and the wild asses gave [that lamb to the
wolves. And that ewe grew up among the wolves.] 16 The ram took [all eleven
ewes to live and graze with him] 17 among the wolves; and they increased [in
number and changed into a flock with many ewes. And the wolves] 18 began to
harass the flock [even causing their kids to die and to hurl their kids] ig [into
a] stream of water. Then [the ewes began to shriek for their young and to wail]
20 [in front of their Lord. One] ewe, which had evaded [the wolves, fled and
went to the wild asses. And I watched while 21 [the flock groaned and shrieked
horribly] until the Lo[rd of the flock] came down.
Frag. 4 col. ill (= 1 Enoch 89:27-30) 1-12 [...] 13 [...] water [...] 14 [I continued
watching until all the] wolves who went on chasing that flock [died] i$ [sink-
ing and drowning, and] the water covered them. The fl[ock moved away from]
16 [that water and we]nt to a barren place [in w hich there was no] 17 [water or
grass] and their eyes opened [and they saw. I watched] 18 [until the Lord of the
flock fed them] and gave them water and grass [and the ewe] ig [went and led
them. The ewe] climbed to the top of a high rock and the Lord 20 [of the flock
sent her to the middle of the flock and] they all kept their [distance. Then]
21 [I watched and behold the Lord of the flock rose up in front of the flock] and
[his aspect was mighty]
25«
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q207 . 212
4QEnoch/ (4Q207 [4QEn/ ar])
Frag. 1 (= 1 Enoch 86:1-3) [■ • • Again I was] 1 [staring in the dream and I saw
the heaven] above [and behold] a star [fell from the sky in the middle] 2 [of the
great bulls and ate and grazed] in the midst of them. And then I saw |those
bulls, large] 3 [and black; all of them exchanged their feeds,] their stables and
their bullocks [and began to live with each other.] 4 [I looked again in my dream
and watched the sky] and behold many stars [came down and fell from the sky]
5 | in the middle of the first star and were turned into] bulls in the middle [of
those bullocks and grazed with them and among them]
4Ql’,noch' (4Q212 1 4QEn" arj)
Col. 11 (= 1 Enoch 91: 18-92:2) 1-13 [...] 14 [...] and he will go [...] 15 [...] they
will give it glo[ry...] 16 and the earth shall rest [...] 1 7 all future generations.
[And now I am going to speak to you, my sons and show you all] 18 the paths
of justice [and all the paths of violence and again I shall show you them so]
19 you know what is going to happen. [Now, then, my sons, listen to me and
choose the tracks] 20 of justice in order to walk on them and [...] 21 because
they are going to utter destruction [all those who walk on the path of injustice.]
22 What he wrote and gave to Methufselah, his son, and to all his brothers,
Enoch, the celebrated scribe] 23 [and the wis jest of men, the chosen one among
the sons of [the earth to judge their deeds. He wrote to the sons] 24 of their
sons and to future generations, to all who [dwell on dry land so that they will
achieve good] 25 [and peace: «Do not] upset yourselves [in your spirit on ac-
count of the times] 26 [because the Great Holy One] has given [a time for ev-
erything . . . ]
Col. in (= 1 Enoch 92:5-93:4) 1-13 [...] if) [...] darkness [...] 17 [...] from this
day [...] 18 [... When he was delivering his letter] Enoch resumed his speech
and said: «I, [Enoch, was born] on the seventh day [in the] first [week] 24 and
until my time justice [was] still] [strong. After me will come the] 25 second
[week] when deceit and violence will increase. [...]
Col. iv (= 1 Enoch 93:9-10 + 91:11-17) 1-10 [...] 11 [... but all] their deeds will
be at fault. 12 [At its close] the chosen ones will be selected as witnesses of the
justice of the plant 13 of everlasting justice; they shall be given wisdom and
knowledge sevenfold. 14 They shall uproot the foundations of violence and the
work of deceit in it in order to carry out [justice.] 13 After this, the eighth week
w ill come, the one of justice, in which [a sword] will be given to all the just, for
them to carry out just judgment against the wicked 17 who will be delivered
into their hands. At its close, they w ill gain riches in justice 18 and there will be
4Q212
THE BOOKS OF ENOCH
259
built the temple of the kingship of The Great One, in his magnificence, for all
eternal generations. 1 g And after that, the ninth week. [In it] will be revealed
jus[tice and just judgment] 20 to all the sons of the whole earth. All those who
ac[t wickedly will vanish] from all 21 the whole earth and they shall be hurled
into the [eternal] well. All [men will see] 22 the just eternal path. And after
[that, the tenth week. In its seventh part] 23 there will be eternal judgment and
the moment of the great judgment [and he will carry out revenge in the midst
of the holy ones.] 24 In it, the first heaven will pass away [and there will appear
a new heaven and all the forces] of heaven 25 will rise throughout all eternity,
shining [seven times more. After that there will be] many weeks 26 [the number
of which will not] have an end [ever, in which goodness and justice] will be
achieved
Col. v (= 1 Enoch 93: 11-94:2) j-jj[...] i^[... Who, among all men] 25 [ . . . ca]n
understand the commandment of [. . .] ?6 can hear the words of the Holy One
[ without being upset or can visualise his thoughts?] 17 Or who, among all men,
[can consider all the works of the heavens or the] 18 angular [columns] upon
which they rest; [or w ho sees a soul or a spirit and can] ig go back to tell about
[it? Or go up and see all their extremities and think or act like them?] 20 Or who
[among the sons of men can know and measure what is] 2/ the length and
breadth of all the earth? Or [to whom has all its ... been shown] 22 and its
shape? Who, among all men, can [know what the extent of the heavens is, and
what] 23 their height is, or how they are supported, [or how large is the number
of the stars?] 24 Now I tell you, my sons: [love justice and walk in it, because]
25 the paths of justice [are worthy of being approved, but the paths of wicked-
ness will be destroyed and will vanish. To the sons] 26 of men [. . .]
260
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
IQ23 . 4Q203
5 The Book of Giants
iQBook of Giants" (1Q23 [lQEnGiants" ar])
Frags. 1+6 + 22 1 [...two hundred] 2 donkeys, two hundred wild asses, two
hun[dred . . . ] 3 rams, two hundred he-goats, two hundred [ . . . ] 4 of each animal,
of each [...] 5 of dilute wine [six] thousand, of [...] 6 [...] Then [...]
Frags. (9+14+15 ?[...] 2 [.. .] and they knew the mysteries ... [...].?[...] great
in the earth [...] 4 [...] in the earth [...]$ [...] the giants [...] of [...]
4QBook of Giants" (4Q203 [4QEnGiants“ ar])
Frag. 1 1 When I arise [...] 2 Baraq’el [...] 3 my face still [...] 4 I arise [...]
Frag. 2 1 over them [...] 2 Blank [. . .] 3 Mahaw[ai] replied [. . . ]
Frag. 3 1 [. .,] 2 their friends [. . .] 3 Elobabes and adk [. . .] 4 What will he give
me to ki[ll ...?]
Frag. 4 1 [...] in them. [...] 2 [...] Blank [...] j [Then] ’Ohyah said to Ha[hyah,
his brother . . .] 4 [. ..] on top of the earth [. . .] 3 [. . .] the earth. When [.. .] 6 [...]
they bowed down and wept in front of [Enoch . . .]
Frag. 5 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] violence done to men [...] 3 [...] they were killed [...]
Frag. 6 1 [...]...[..,] 2 [.. .] went for us [. ..] 3 [...] ... [. . .]
Frag. 7 col. 1 1-2 [. . .] 3 and your power [.. .] 4 Blank [. . .] 5 Then ’Ohyah [said] to
Hahyah, [his brother . . .] Then he punished not 6 us but Azazel and made him
[. . . the sons] of the Watchers, 7 the Giants; and none of their [beloved beings]
will be forgiven [. . .] he has seized us and has captured you.
Frag. 7 col. 11 1-4 [. . J5 [. . .] to you, Mahafwai . . .] 6 the two tablets [. . .] 7 and the
second has not been read up till now [. . .]
Frag. 8 ? The book [. . .] 2 Blank [...].? Copy of the second tablet of the l[etter . . .]
4 written by the hand of Enoch, the celebrated scribe [...] 5 and holy, to
Shemihazah and to all his [companions . . .] 6 Know that [. . .] not 7 your deeds
and those of your wives [...]<? they and their sons and the wives of [their sons
• • •] 9 for your prostitution in the land. It will happen to you [. . .] 10 and accuse
you regarding the deeds of your sons [...] 11 the corruption with which you
4Q53Q
THE BOOK OF GIANTS
261
have corrupted [. . .] 12 until the coming of Raphael. Behold, there will be de-
struction [. . .] ij those who are in the deserts and those who are in the seas. The
explanation of your task [...] 14 upon you for evil. Now, then, unfasten your
chains [. . .] 75 and pray. Blank [. . .]
Frag. 9 1 [. . .] and all [. . .] 2 [. . .] ... before the splendour of your glory
your glo]ry, for you know all the mysteries [. . .] 4 [. . .] and nothing is stronger
than you [. . .] 5 [. . .] before you. Blank Now, then, the Ho[ly One of the heavens
■ ■■] 6 [...] your glorious rule for the [everlasting centuries ...] 7 [...] Blank [...]
Frag. 10 1 [...] And now, my Lord [...] 2 [...] you have multiplied and [...]
3 [. . .] your wishes and [. . .]
Frag. 11 1 [■■■] 2 the dew and the frost [ . . .]
Frag. 13 1 [They pros |t rated themselves in front of [Enoch . . .] 2 [Th]en he said
to them: [...] 3 [may there not] be peace for you [...] 4 [...] to be [...]
4QBook of Giants* (4Q530 [4QEnGiants* ar])
Col. 11 3 [. . .] Then two of them had nightmares, 4 and the dream fled from their
eyes. They [arose ...] 5 and went [to Shemihazah their father and told him]
their dreams 6 [...] In my dream which I saw tonight [.. .] 7 [...] gardeners; they
were watering [...] 8 [...] numerous roots issued from its trunk [...] 9 [...] I
watched until the springs closed up [...] 10 [...] all the water and the fire
burned in everything [...1 n [...] 12 [...] Here the dream ended. 13 [...] the
Giants were searching for someone who would explain 14 [the dream] to them
[... to Enoch,] the celebrated scribe and interpret 15 the dream for us. Blank
Then ’Ohyah, his brother, acknowledged and said in front of the Giants: 16 I
also saw something amazing in my dream last night: The Power of the heavens
came down to earth 77-79 [. . .] 20 [. . .] ... here the dream ended. [Then] all the
Giants [and the Nephilim] became alarmed, 21 and they called to Mahawai and
he came to them. They implored him and sent him to Enoch, 22 [the celebrated
scribe] and they said to him: Go [...] ... and death for you, who 23 [...] hears
his voice and tell him to [explain to you] and interpret the dream [. . .]
Col. in 3 on one (tablet) the evidence of the Giants [and on the other (tablet) . . .]
4 like the hurricane, and flew with his hands like an eagle [provided with wings
• • •] 5 the earth and crossed Desolation, the great desert [. . .] 6 and saw Enoch,
he called him and said to him: «An oracle [. . .] 7 here. For a second time I beg
you for an oracle [...]§ your words, together with all the Nephilim of the earth.
If he removes [. . .] 9 from the days of their [.. .] and may they be punished [. ..]
262
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q53i • 6q8
10 [so] we know its explanation from you. [.. . Then Enoch said:] 11 [The two]
hundred trees which have come from heaven [...]
4QBook of Giants' (4Q53 1 [qQEnGiants')])
Frag. 1 ?[...] they were defiled [. . .] 2 [. . .] the Giants and the Nephilim and [...]
3 they shall sire [...]. And if all [...] 4 [...] in his blood. And according to the
power [. . .] 5 [. . . the Giants] which was not enough for them and for [their sons
. . .] 6 [. . .] and they demanded much to eat [. . .] 7 [. . .] Blank [. . .] 8 [. . .] the Gi-
ants destroyed it [. . .]
Frag. 2 j [. . .] powerful. And with the strength of my powerful arm and with the
might of my power 4 [...] all flesh, and waged war on them. But not 5 [...] I
found support to strengthen me, for my accusers 6 [...] (they) reside in the
heavens and live with the holy ones and not 7 [. . .for they] are more powerful
than me. Blank 8 [. . .] the roar of the wild beasts has come and they bellowed a
feral roar 9 [. . .] ’Ohyah spoke as follows to him: «My dream has depressed me
10 [...] the dream [has fled] from my eyes at seeing the vision. Surely I know
that
6QBook of Giants (6q8 [6(}EnGiants])
Frag. 1 1 [...] 2 [...] ’Ohyah, and said to Mahawai [...] 3 [.. .] and do not quake.
Who has shown you everything? [. . .] 4 [. . .] Baraq’el, my father, was with me.
[. . .] 5 [. . .] hardly had Mahawai finished telling what he [. . .] 6 [. . . said to him:]
«I have heard wonders. If a barren person can give birth [. . .]
Frag. 2 / its three roots [... and he was watching] 2 until [...] ca[me..] 3 this
whole garden and not [. . .]
!Qig . 4Q534-535
THE BOOK OF NOAH
263
6 The Book of Noah
lQNoah (iqiq [lQNoah])
Frag. 1 ;[...] he was [...] 2 [...] they increased in number upon the earth and
[...] 3 [... because all men had lost] their path on the earth [...] 4 [... when they
perished, they started to cry out] and their cries came before God and [...]
Frag. 2 1 [Holy Ones] of heaven [...] 2 [saying: Present] our case to [the Most
High . ..] 3 [.. .] 4 [and Michael, Sariel, Rapha]el and Gabriel [said to the Lord:
. . .]j [Lord] of Lords and Mighty One [of Mighty Ones 6 [...] of the centuries
4QElect of God (4Q534 [4QMess ar])
Col. I ; from the hand two [. . .] a mark; red is 2 his hair and he has moles upon
[...] Blank 3 and tiny marks upon his thighs [...] different from each other. He
will know ...4 During his youth he will be ...[.. . like] one who knows nothing,
until the time when he 5 knows the three books. Blank 6 Then he will obtain
prudence and will know [...] ... of the visions in order to reach the upper
sphere. 7 And with his father and with his ancestors [...] life and old age. With
him there will be advice and discretion 8 and he will know men’s secrets. His
wisdom will extend to all the peoples. He will know the secrets of all living
things. 9 All their plans against him will fail, although the antagonism of all
living things will be great. 10 [. . .] his plans, for he is the one chosen by God.
His birth and the exhalation of his breath 11 [...] his plans will last for ever.
Blank 12 [...] lest [...] 13 the plan [...] 14-17 [...]
Col. 11 ?[...] which [...] fell in ancient times. The sons of the pit [...] 2 [.. .] evil.
The spot [. . .] 3 [..,] 4 [. . .] in order to go [...] 5 [. . .] fle[sh . ..] 6 [...] 7 and the
exhalation of his breath [. . .] Sfor ever [. . .] g-10 [. . .] 12 and the cities [. . .] 13 and
they will destroy [...] 14 The waters will end [. . .] they will destroy . . . from the
heights. They will all come [...] 15 [...] Blank 16 [...] and they shall all be de-
stroyed. His work will be like that of the Watchers. 17 Instead of his voice [. . .]
he will establish his foundation upon him. His sin and his error 18 [. . .] the Holy
One and the Watchers [...] to say ig [he will sp]eak against him [...]
4QAramaic N (4Q535)
Frag. 1 1 when ... [. . .] 2 Baraq’el [. . .] 3 my face once more [. . .] 4 I arose [. . .]
Frag. 2 /[...] the time of birth [. . .] 2 [. . .] the walls of the house of [. . .] 3-4 [. . .]
264
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q536
Frag. 3 1 [...] he is born. They are joined in the evening [...] 2 [...] he is born
in the night and comes out complete . .with] a weight of three hundred
and fifty shekels [...] 4 [...] he sleeps until the middle of the day and ... [...]
5 [•■•] during the day until he completes the years of [...] 6 [...] he separates
from it for him [. . .]
4QAramaic c (4Q536)
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 [. . .] they will be [. . .] 2 [. . .the ho]ly ones will remem[ber] 3 [. . .]
to him will be revealed the ligfhts] 4 [...] all their teaching which 5 [...] the
wisdom of man, and every wise man 6 [...] in the region, and he will be great
7 [...] the man will tremble and until 8 [...] he will reveal mysteries. Like
Elyonin 9 [...] with the understanding of the mysteries 10 [...] and also n [...]
in the dust 12 [...] firstly [...] the mystery goes up 13 [...] may he count me
among the number of [. . .] the portion
Frag. 1 col. 11 7 of [. . .] 8 he made. [. . .] 9 of which you are afraid for all ... [. . .]
10 he will strengthen its concealment at the end of your powers. Their posses-
sions [...] 11 and he will not die in the days of evil. And wisdom shall issue
from your mouth. I will praise you [...] 12 is condemned to die. Who will write
the words of God in a book which does not wear out? And my sayings [...?]
13 You will go towards me, and in the time of the wicked he will know you for
ever. A man who [...] your servants, [your] sons
Frag. 2 ?[••■] he sleeps until the middle of the day 2 [. . .] during the day until
he completes the years of [...] 3 [...] he separates from it for him [...]
4Q537 ■ 538
BOOKS OF THE PATRIARCHS
265
7 Books of the Patriarchs
a Visions of Jacob
4QApocryphon of Jacob (4Q537 UQAJa ar])
Frag. 1 [And I had a vision at night. Behold, an angel of God came down from
heaven carrying seven tablets in his hand, and he said to me: God has blessed
you, you and] ; your descendants. And all just men will survive and the upright
[. . .and absolutely no] 2 debauchery [is to be practised] and absolutely no deceit
is to be found among [...] 3 And now, take the tablets and read everything
[which is written on them. And I took the tablets and read. There were written
all my privations] 4 and all my troubles and all that was to happen to me [over
the one hundred and forty seven] years of my life. [Again he said to me: Take
the tablets from my hands.] 5 [And I] took those tablets from his hand [and read
everything.] And I saw written in them that [this place was not to be built as a
temple,] 6 [for] you would leave there and on the [eighth] day [your offerings
would not be] invalid before [the Most High God...] 7 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 2 ?[•■■] And how the building will be [. . . And how its] priests will dress,
and 2 [their hands] purified. [And how] they will offer sacrifices on the altar.
And how, as food, they will eat a part of their sacrifices in the whole land.
3 [. . .] who leave the city and from beneath the walls, and where they [. . .] 4 [. . .]
Blank [. . .] 5 [...] before me a land of two quarter parts [...]
B The Aramaic Testament of Judah
3QTestament of Judah (?) (3Q7 [3QTJuda?])
Frags. 5 + 3 (Testjud 25:2?) /[...]...[...] 2 [Simeon, the] fifth; Issa[char, the
sixth; and to all the remainder, each according to his rank. The Lord] praised
[Levi;] 3 [to me, (Judah, he allocated)] the angel of the presence, [to Simeon, the
power of the glory, to Reuben the heavens, to Issachar] the globe, to Zebu[lon
the sea] 4 [...] ... [...]
4QApocryphon of Judah (4Q538 [4QAJU ar])
Frag, a 1 [. . . T]hen he devised a plan a[gainst ...] 2 [ ... ag]ainst me/him; and
why in their heart there is [. . .] against [me/him] 3 [...].. . together they entered
... [...] 4 [...] they will revere. Then he knew that there was no [...]j [...] ...
and he could not ... again [...] 6 [...]... on my neck and hugged me ... [...]
7 [.. .] Joseph again; and all [...] 8 [...] ... [...]
266
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q539 . 1Q21
Frag, b 1 2 [. . .] Blank After I had been brought and introduced 3 [. . .]
their heads, and before Joseph 4 [... an] evil [spjirit and he could not again
5 [■••] [■■• ag]ainst his brothers 6 [...] fearing 7 [...1 and not
C The Aramaic Testament of Joseph
4QApocryphon of Joseph (4Q539 [4QAJ0 ar])
Frag. 2 1 [...] Jacob [...] 2 [And now, 1 listen, my son [...hear] me, my loved
ones, [...] 3 [... the s]ons of my uncle Ishmael [...] my father Jacob observed
mourning [...] 4 [...] count coins, and the slave [.. .] eighty of the kind [...]
5 [. . .] to them; if he ask[s . . .] to scorn the messenger [. . .] 6 [. . .] this. Why do
you [wait...] my brother, to scorn [ ] 7 [ ] mercy ... [...] the men [...]
D Aramaic Testament of Levi
tQAramaic Levi (1Q21 [tQTLevi ar])
Frag. 1 1 [...] for they will be threefold [...] 2 [...] the sovereignty of the priest-
hood will be greater than the sovereignty of [ . . . ] 3 [. . .] ... [ . . . ]
Frag. 3 / [and for the sovereignty of the] sword, [the war . . .] 2 [sometimes] you
shall work and other times you sh[all rest. Sometimes ...] 3 [the greatness of]
an eternal peace [...]
Frag. 7 /[...] until you 2 [. . .] you shall rule with whomever 3 [. . .] he seeks
Frag. 8 ?[...] and he rewarded. Blank And I [. . .] 2 [. . .] he rewarded, and every
man [...] j [...] I [...]
Frag. 30 /[...]...[...] 2 [...] not for fornication [...] 3 [...] to seek [...]
4QAramaic Levi" (4Q213 ^QTLevi" ar])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1-5 [. . .] 6 [...] 1 7 [...I wajshed and all 8 [...] I lifted to heaven g [.. .]
and the fingers of my hands and my arms 10 [...] and I said: Lord, you //[...]
only you know 12 [. . .] paths of truth; remove 13 [. . .] evil, fornication; turn aside
14 [...] wisdom in intelligence and strength 13 [.. to] find favour before you
j6 [. . .] what is beautiful and good before you iy[... may] no foe rule over me
18 [. . .] to me, Lord, and approach me so that it may be for you
Frag. 1 col. 11 1-5 [. . .] 6 Lord, you have blessfed . . .] 7 tr[ue] offspring [. . .] 8 the
4Q213
BOOKS OF THE PATRIARCHS
267
prayer of your ser[vant ...]g true judgment for a[ll the centuries . . .] jo to the
son of your servant bejfore me .. .] 11 Then I went to [...] 12 to my father Jacob
and [...] 13 of Abel-Mayin. Then, [...] 14 I lay down and settled upon [...]
15 Blank Then I saw visions [...] 16 seeing this vision, I saw' heaven [...] 17 un-
derneath me. It rises to reach up to heaven [. . .] 18 to the gates of heaven, and
an angel [...]
Frag. 2 2 [...] the men 3 [ . . .] the woman and she will defile her name and her
father’s name *[...] ... and all 5 [. . . the young] woman of the destruction of
her name and of the name of her fathers for all her brothers 6 [. . .] her father,
and the name of her disgrace will not be disclosed for all her people for ever
7 [. . . it will be cu]rsed for all eternal generations. [. . .] the holy one of the peo-
ple 8 [.. .] holy tithe, an offering for the God of
Frag. 3 1 [. . .] your priesthood of all flesh 2 [. . .] I awoke from my dream. Then
3 [... and I saw] this, too, in my heart and did not [reveal it] to any person.
4 [...] When my father Jacob was separating the tithe 5 [...] and he gave to me
among his sons 6 [. . .] ...
Frag. 4 10 [. . .Again you shall wash your hands and] your feet [from the blood,]
n [and you shall begin to offer the sal]ted [portions. The head [will be offered]
12 [first; cover it with fat,] and [the blood of slaughter] 13 [of the cow should not
be seen. Afterwards, the neck. And after the neck, the shoulder blades,] and
after the shoulder blades, [the breast] 14 [with the ribs. And after the shoulder
blades,] the hips and the b[ack.] 15 [And after the hips, the wa]shed [hooves,]
with the entrails. And a[l|l 16 [salted with salt, in the way which] is fitting [for
them.] Blank And afjter this,] 17 [flour mixed with oil. And] after everything,
[pour] w ine, 18 [and incense should be wafted over them,] so that your service
may be in or[der and all the offerings. . .]
Frag. 5 col. 1 / [And in the year one hundred and eighteen of my life, the year]
in which [my brother Joseph] died, 2 [I summoned my sons and their sons, and
I began to explain] to them 3 [all that there was in my heart. I began speaking
and said to my sons: «Listen to] the word 4 [of Levi, your father, and pay atten-
tion to the precepts of the beloved of God.] I, to you 5 [my sons, give orders,
and to you I show the truth, my beloved ones. The beginning of] all your deeds
6 [should be the truth, and] justice and truth remfain for ever,] 7 [... go]od.
Whoever sows goodness, harvests good, 8 [and whoever sows evil, against him
his see]d [turns.] Blank But now, the book and the instruction and wisdom
9 [teach them to your sons, and wisdom will be for you] for eternal honour. He
who teaches wisdom will be honoured 10 [by it, but he who despises wisdom]
will be given to insult and scorn. See them, my sons, 11 [. . .] wisdom for honour
268
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q2 13 ■ 214
and for greatness and for the kings 12 [...] Do not renounce wisdom for the
teaching is [. . .] Every man who teaches wisdom, all 14 [his days will be length-
ened and multiplied will be his re]nown. In each region and province to which
he goes, is [he will have a brother, and will not be a foreigner] in it, and will not
be likened in it to every alien, nor 16 [be likened to a foreigner. Instead, all]
shall give him glory for it, for all desire 77 [to learn from his wisdom. His
fri]ends are many, and numerous those who desire his good 18 [And they shall
seat him upon a throne of glory, to] listen to the words of his wisdom. ig [A
great richness of glory is wisdom for] whoever knows it, and a treasure 20 [for
all who acquire it. If] powerful [kings come and a [great] people and an army
21 [of horsemen and many chariots with them, and they take the possessions of
the region and of the province] 22 [and steal everything there is in them, they
cannot steal the treasure of wisdom, nor will they find]
Frag. 5 col. 11 1 its secrets, nor enter its gates, nor [. . nor] 2 will they be able to
destroy its ramparts, nor [. . .] j will they see the well of its treasure [. . .] 4 and
there is no price compared to her [. . .] 5 seek wisdom [. . .] 6 which has hidden
itself from it [. . .] 7 and there is no lac[k . . . J all those who seek 8 truth [. . .] the
book and the instruction 9 and wi[sd]ont, teac[h them to them. . .] you will in-
struct them 10 [...] great. You shall give n [...glo]ry. Blank 12 [...] also in the
books is [...you sh]all be chiefs and judges 14 [...] and servants is [...] and also
priests and kings 16 [. . .] your kingdom 1 7 [. . .] will have no end 18 [. . .] will pass
from you until all 1 9 [...] with great glory
Frag. 5 col. in 1 [. . .] all the peoples 2 [. . .] the moon and the stars j [. . .] of 4 [. . .]
the moon 5 [ . . . ] you will become dark [ . . . ] 6 Did not Enoch accuse [...?]/[...]
And upon whom will the blame fall, 8 [. . .] except upon me and upon you, my
sons? Then you will know 9 [. . .] you will forsake the paths of justice and all the
ways of 10 [. . .] you will renounce and you will walk in darkfness] 11 [. . .] a great
tribulation will come upon you, and you will he delivered up] «[...] strong
and [. . .] and they shall be for those knowing
qQAramaic Levi* (4Q214 [4QTLevi* ar])
Frag. 1 1 [When you go to offer upon the altar, wash hands and feet again. Offer
the] split [wo]ood; 2 [but scrutinise it fi]rst for all [the worms and af]terwards,
[offer] it. [For] thus I saw Abraham, j [my father, looking out for] any obstacle.
Blank [Twe]lve (kinds of) wood did [he show] me [of those] which can be offered
upon the altar, 4 [whose aroma] rises, pleasing. And these are their nam[es:
ce]dar, juni[per,] almond, 5 [tamarind, pine, ash, cypress, fig, olive, lau]rel,
myrtle 6 [and balsam.] These are what he sho[wed] me, [from which one could
make offerings] under the offering 7 upon the altar. Blank [When you offer] any
4Q54° • 54i
BOOKS OF THE PATRIARCHS
269
of these (kinds of) woofd] upon the al[tar and the fijre stjarts] 8 to burfn them,
then you shall begin to sprinkle the blood] upon the sides of the altar. Again,
[you shall wash] g [your hands and your feet from the blood and you shall begin
to offer] the sal[ted portions, the hea[d, first.]
Frag. 3 col. 11 1 and from the provinces [and they steal everything there is in
them, they cannot steal the treasure of wisdom,] 2 nor will they find [its secrets
. . .] 3 and there is no pr[ice compared to her . . .] 4 from it, and [it has] not been]
hidden from it [...] 5 ... the book and the [instruction and wifsdom, teach
them to them . ..] 6 ... [...]
4QAaronic Text A = Testament of Levif (?)
(4Q540 [4QAhA = 4QTLevir])
?[...] Again distress will come upon him and the little one will lack goods and
will [ask ...] 2 [...] fifty-two weeks. Again, a famine will come upon him, and
he will lack goods [. . .] 3 [. . .] and he will not resemble a merchant of goods, but
instead like the great sea [...] 4 [...] he will leave the house in which he was
bred, and another dwelling [,..]5 [.. .and he will rebuild, like] a servant of God,
[with] his goods, another sanctuary which will be consacrated [...]
4QAaronic Text A = Testament of Levi^ (?)
(4Q541 [4QAhA = 4QTLevi‘/ ?])
Frags. 1 + 2 col. 1 3 the totality has meditated upon [...] ... 4 he will cause the
idols to fall [ . . . ] 5 and all their sighs [ . . . ] he will utter words, and in conformity
with the will 6 of God, he will keep [...he has ad]ded a further book for me
7 and a second [...] and he will speak about him in enigmas 8 [...] and he ap-
proached me, but remaining at the time far from me 9 [. . . such that] his vision
[was not se]cret. And I said: the fruits of
Frag. 2 col. 11 + 3 + 4 col. 1 + 5 1 uncertain. Behold [. . .] 2 from before God [. . .]
3 you will take the smitten [...] 4 I will bless you. A holocaust [...] the founda-
tion of his peace [...] ... 5 your spirit, and you will rejoice [...] To you I ad-
dress my poems [. . .] ... 6 Behold a wise man who [rises] to st[udy the instruc-
tion of wisdom] and understands the depths and utters enigmas. 7 ...[...] he
will come before you whom you have taken from the nest, and the bird 8 he has
hunted and he has asked it for [. . . ] to eat it. See, you will be very happy, and
greatly the place of
Frag. 4 col. 11 + 6 z [and| the earth [. . .] 2 to the son of Jos[eph .. .] those smitten
for [...] j here [. ..] your judgment and you will not be gui[lty ...] 4 your blood
270
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q541 • 215
[ . . . ] the blows of your pains (?) which [ . . . ] 5 for the captives [ . . . ] your rest has
not lessened and all [...] 6 of [...] your heart of [...]
Frag. 7 1 and he will reveal [the secr]et of the abysses [. . .] 2 who does not un-
derstand the written text [. . .] 3 and he will make the great sea be silent for [. . .]
4 Then, he will open the books of wisdom [...] 5 his word. And, like the
wicked, the wise [man ...] 6 [his] teaching ...]
Frag. 9 col. 1 ?[...] the sons of the generation [...] 2 [...] his wisdom. And he
will atone for all the children of his generation, and he will be sent to all the
children of 3 his people. His word is like the word of the heavens, and his
teaching, according to the will of God. His eternal sun will shine 4 and his fire
will burn in all the ends of the earth; above the darkness his sun will shine.
Then, darkness will vanish 5 from the earth, and gloom from the globe. They
will utter many words against him, and an abundance of 6 lies; they will fabri-
cate fables against him, and utter every kind of disparagement against him. His
generation will change the evil, 7 and [. . .] established in deceit and in violence.
The people will go astray in his days and they will be bewildered
Frag. 9 col. 11 4 who has seen a [. . .] 5 seven rams (?) watc[hing. . .] 6 one part of
their sons will go [. . .] 7 and they will be added to [. . .]
Frag. 24 col. 11 1 [...]...[...] 2 Do not mourn for him [. . .] and do not [...] 3 And
God will notice the failings [ ... ] the uncovered failings [ . . . ] 4 Examine, ask and
know what the dove has asked; do not punish one weakened because of exhaus-
tion and from being uncertain a[ll . . .] 5 do not bring the nail near him. And you
will establish for your father a name of joy, and for your brothers you will make
a tested foundation rise. 6 You will see it and rejoice in eternal light. And you
will not be of the enemy. Blank 7 Blank
4QTestament of Naphtali (4Q215 [4QTNaph])
Frag. 1 1 with the sisters of Bilhah’s father, my mofther . . . and] Deborah, who
suckled Rebe[cca ...] 2 And he went to captivity, but Laban went and freed
him; and he gave Hana to him, one of his maidservants [who begot for him the
first] 3 daughter, Zilpah. He gave her the name of Zilpah, the name of the city
in which he had been prisoner. [...] 4 And she conceived and gave birth to
Bilhah, my mother. Hana gave her the name of Bilhah, for when she was born
[straight away] 5 hurried to suck. And she said: ‘How my daughter hurries!’
And from then she called her Bilhah (hurried). 6 Blank When Jacob, my father,
came to Laban fleeing away from his brother Esau, ... [...] 8 of the father of
Bilhah, my mother. And Laban led Hana, my mother’s mother, and the two
4Q215 ■ 542
BOOKS OF THE PATRIARCHS
271
daughters, [and he gave one] 9 [to Leah] and the other to Rachel. And as Rachel
did not bear sons [...] 10 [... tojajcob, my father. And he was given Bilhah, my
mother, and she bore Dan, my brother [. . .] 11 [. . .] to the two sisters [. . .]
Frag. 2 col. 11 1 [...].. . from the well, a and the dread of the precipice, and the
anguish of the pit. And they shall be refined in them to (be) chosen of justice
... j on account of his pious ones; for the age of wickedness had expired and
all injustice will pass [away.] 4 The time of justice has arrived, and the earth
will be filled with the knowledge and the praise of God. In the da[ys . . .] 5 the
age of peace arrives, and the laws of truth, and the testimony of justice, to
instruct [them] 6 in God’s paths and in the marvels of his deeds [. . .] for eternal
centuries. Every [creature ?] 7 will bless him, and every man will bow down
before him, [and they will have] a single heart. For he [knows ?] 8 their actions
before they were created, and [makes] of the service of justice the division of
their frontiers 9 for their generations. For the dominion <of justice) of goodness
has arrived, and he will raise the throne of [...] 10 and knowledge is exalted;
intelligence, prudence and success are proved by the deeds of [his] holiness
»[••■] [•••]
Frag. 3 / of his holiness will establish them for [. . .] 2 he creates them to ren[ew
. ..] 3 of their days. And the darkness [...] 4 for their feasts ... darkness [...]
5 for the feasts before [...] 6 [...] his will [...]
Frag. 4 )[...]...[...] to destroy the earth with his anger and to renew [. . .] 2 [.. .]
the wall of his knowledge, because [. . .] j [.. .] the weak [. . .]
e The Aramaic Testament of Qahat
4QTestament of Qahat (4Q542 [4QTQahat ar])
Col. 1 ; and God of gods for all the centuries. And he will make his light shine
upon you and make you know his great name 2 and you will know that he is the
God of the centuries, the lord of all works, and has control j over all, to deal
with them as he pleases. And he will give you glory and happiness to your sons
in the generations of 4 justice for ever. And now, my sons, make note of the
inheritance which has been transmitted to you 5 and which your fathers have
given you, and do not give your inheritance to foreigners or your riches 6 to
pretenders, to be induced into humiliation in their eyes, for they will scorn you
because 7 they would be residents for you and they would be chiefs over you.
Comply with the words of Jacob, 8 your father, and . . . the directives of Abra-
ham and the justice of Levi and mine, and be holy and pure 9 from all [un-
cleanness] ..., complying with the truth and walking in uprightness and not
272
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q542 . 543
with a double heart, jo but with a pure heart and with a truthful and good
spirit. And you, my sons, will give me a good name, and there will be glory
11 for Levi and joy for Jacob and rejoicing for Isaac and honour for Abraham,
because you have kept 12 and taken the inheritance which your fathers gave
you, truth, justice, uprightness, 13 perfection, purity, holiness and the priest-
hood according to all that he commanded you and according to all that
Col. 11 / I taught you in truth from now and for all [the centuries . . .] 2 all the
word of truth will come upon you [...] 3 eternal blessings will rest upon you
and will be [for you ...] 4 will be for all the eternal generations and there will
be no more [. . .] 5 of your punishment and you will rise to make the judgment
[. . .] 6 and to see the sin of all the sinners of the world [. . .] 7 in the fire and in
the abysses and in all the caves so as not to [. . .] 8 in the generations of justice;
and all the sons of wickedness will vanish [. . .] 9 And now, to you, cAmram, my
son, I order you [. . .] 10 and your sons and their sons; I order you [. . .] 11 that
they give to Levi, my father and which Levi, my father has gi[ven] me [...]
12 all my writings as evidence, so that you will wait for them [ . . .] 13 for you in
them great worth, using them to guide you. Bla[nk . . .]
Col. in s [••■ >n order to] read and [...] 6 [...] their sons [...] 7 [...] men and li[fe
. . .] 8-g [. . .] . . . [. ..] jo [upon] them and upon [...] n darkness and ...[...] 72 and
the light, but [...] 13 and I ... [...]
F Visions of Amram
4QVisions of Amram" (4Q543 [4Qf Amram" ar])
Frag. 1 j Copy of the writing of the words of the visions of cAmram, son of
[Qahat, son of Levi. All that] 2 he revealed to his sons and what he advised
them on [the day of his death, in the year one hundred] 3 and thirty-six, the
year of [his death: in the year one hundred] 4 and fifty-two of the ex[ile of
Isra]el to Eg[ypt. . .]j upon him and he sent [and called to Uzzi’el] his youngest
brother [. . .] 6 to him Miriam [his daughter and said: You (f.) are] thirty [years
old.] 7 [And he gave a feast for seven days and ate and drank during] the fea[st.]
8 [Then, when the days of the feast were completed, he s]ent [and called]
Frag. 2 7 [. . .] from your lord will give you [. . .] 2 for ever will give you wisdom
[...]j[...]
Frag. 3 7 [. . .] you will be God, and angel of God will you be cal[led] 2 [. . .] and
you will do in this land, and a judge [...] 3 [...] ... your name for all [...] 4 [...]
for eternal generations [...] 5 [. . .] ... you will do [. . .] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .]
4Q543 • 544
BOOKS OF THE PATRIARCHS
273
Frag. 4 1 [. . . your fathers,] and [my father Qahat] left me [there . . .] 2 [. . .] from
the land [of Canaan ...]
Frag. 5 1 Therefore (?)[...] 2 and with all this my protection [...} 4 I have
taken [...]
Frag. 6 1 2 [. . . I ra]ised my eyes and saw that one of [. . .] 3 [. . . and
his clo]thing was coloured and obscured [by darkness...] 4 [...] Blank And I
looked at the other, and be[hold...] 5 [...] and his face was smiling and he was
covered with [. . .] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .] and all their eyes [. . .]
4QVisions of Am ram" (4Q544 |4Q‘Amram" ar])
Frag. 1 1 Qahat there to stay and to dwell and to buifld the tombs of our fa-
thers...] 2 a man, and about our work it was very much until [we have buried
the dead . . . and they retreat (?) 3 quickly, and they do not build the tomb which
their fathers [...] 4 until we build. Blank And it was war between [. . .] 5- And they
closed the [bor]der of Egypt and it was not possible to [. . .] forty-one years, and
we could not [. . .] 7 between Egypt and Canaan and Philistia. Blank [. . .] ... [. . .]
8 and she was not. Blank I, myself, ano[ther] woman [. . .] 9 all: that I will return
to Egypt in peace and 1 will see the face of my wife [...] 10 in my vision, the
vision of my dream. And behold, two were quarrelling over me and they said:
[...] u and they entered into a great debate over me. And I asked them: You,
why are you [...over me? And they replied and said: We] 12 [have received]
control and control all the sons of Adam. They said to me: W hich of us do you
[choose . . .? I lifted my eyes and saw] 13 [that one] of them had a dreadful ap-
pearance [...] and his clothing was coloured and obscured by darkness [...]
14 [And I looked at the other, and behold [...] in his appearance and his face
was smiling and he was covered with [. . .] 75 a great deal, and all their eyes . . .]
Frag. 2 1 [...] ruling over you [. . .] 2 [...] this, who are you? And he said to me:
This [...] 3 [...] and Melki-reshac. Blank I said: My Lord: What [...] 4 [...] dark
and all his work is dark, and in darkness he [. . .] 5 [. . .] you see. And he rules
over all darkness, and I [...] 6 [... from the) upper [regions] up to the lower
regions, I rule over all that is bright and all [. . .]
Frag. 3 1 [of his favour and of his peace. And I] have acquired power [over all
the sons of] light. I asked him and said to him: What [are your names?] 2 [. . He
replied and] said to me: My three names [are . . .]
274
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q545 ■ 547
4QVisions of Amram' (4Q545 [4Q' Amram' ar])
1 Copy of the [writing of the words of the visions of 'Amram, son of Qahat,
son of Levi. All 2 that [he revealed to his sons and what he advised] them on
the day of [his death, in the] year 3 one hundred and thirty-six, the year of his
death: [in the ye]ar one hundred 4 and fifty-two of the exile of Israel to Egypt.
[... upon him and he sent] 5 and called Uzzi’el, his youngest brother [...] to
him [Miriam,] his daughter [and said:] 6 You are thirty years old. And he gave
a feast for seven [day]s 7 and ate and drank during the feast. Then, when 8 the
days of the feast were completed, he send and called Aharon, his son. He was
[...] years old 9 [...] to him: Call Malachiyah [...] from the house of to [...]
above [...] him. 11 [...] I 12 [...] my father 13 [...] from 14 [...] growing 15 [...]
... j6 [...] he steals 17 [... you will be old, and an]gel of God 18 [you will be
called . . . from] this [earth and] ig [a judge. . .] your name to all
Frag. 1 col. 11 u in this land, and I went up to [...] 12 to bury our fathers. And
I went up [... Qahat there] 13 to stay and to dwell and to build [...] 14 many
from the sons of my uncle, together [...a man, and about] 13 our work it was
very much un[til we have bu]ried the dead [. . .] 16 rumour of war, frightening
those of us [returning to the land of Eg[ypt . . . and they retreat (?)] 17 quickly,
and they do not bu[ild the to]mb which their fathers [. . .] 18 and to build and
to obtain for them [...fr]om the land of Canaan [...] 1 9 we ourselves build. And
war [broke out between Canaan and] Philistia and Egypt and was winning [. . .]
Frag. 2 /[...] and I will show you [...] 2 [...] See, God ... and also (...] j and I
w ill show you the mystery of his service, holy judgment [. . .] 4 holy for him will
be all his descendants for all [eternal] generations [. . .] 5 the seventh of the men
of His will [and he will] call and he will [. . .] 6 he will choose as eternal priest.
Blank [ . . . ]
4QVisions of Amram'' (4Q547 [4Q‘ Amram1' ar])
Frag. 1 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] I rescued [...] 3 [...] he built [...] 4 [...] in Mount
Sinai [...]5 [■ ■ ■] great upon the bronze altar [.. .] 6 [. . .] the priest will be exalted
among all my sons for ever. Then [...] 7 [...] and their sons after him for all
eternal generations in tru[th ...]<?[...] And I aw oke from the sleep of my eyes
and I wrote the vision [...] 9 [...] and from the land of Canaan. And it hap-
pened to me as he said [...] to [...] ... and afterwards he took twen[ty ...]
»[...]...[.•■]
Frag. 2 1 [...].. . you w ill take off and when you rise [. . .] 2 [. . .] the first to the
second [...] 3 [... over] his soul they were twisting between the two of them
[. . .] 4 [. . .] ... [. . .] 5 [. . .] ... the friend and a great [. . .] 6 [. . .] the friend to [. . .]
4Q548 • 549
BOOKS OF THE PATRIARCHS
275
4QVisions of AmranU (4Q548 [4Q‘Amram/ arj)
/[...] staffs [. . .] to them and all (their] ways [...] 3 [...] them from their healers
[. . .] 4 [.. .] them from death and from annihilation ...] 5 [...] for you, sons of
the blessing [. . .] 6 [. . .] all generations of Israel for all [centuries ...] 7
rejoice in me, because the sons of righteousness . ..] 8 you will be ca[lled ...]
your [name?,] sons of lie and not sons of [truth ...] 9 I will [let you know the]
desirable [way,] I would let you know [. . . For the sons of light] 10 will be bril-
liant, and all the sons of darkness will be dark. [For the sons of light . ..] u and
for all their knowledge they will be [...] but the sons of darkness will be de-
stroyed [...] 12 For all senselessness and ev[il are dark,] and all [pea]ce and truth
are brilliant. [This is why the sons of light] 13 will go to the light, to [everlast-
ing] happiness, [to rejoicing;] and all the sons of dark[ness will go to the shades,
to death] 14 and to annihilation. [. . .] There will be light for the people and they
shall live [...] 15 And they will make kn[own ...] from darkness. For all [the
sons of . . . and all ] 16 the sons of [ ... ] and all the sons of light [ . . . ]
Frag. 2 col. I 1-8 [...]... 9 [. . .] to the East 10 [. . .] elect for the truth //[...] there,
and the deeds of the truth 12 [...] all the end of dark annihilation 13 [...] the
evil. And from every senseless 14 [. . .] he is [...] 15 [...] darkness [...] 16 [. . .] ...
[...]
Frag. 2 col. 11 1-6 [...] 7 they will be [...] 8 progeny [...] 9 to the month [...]
10 ...[...] 11 weighed [...] 12 they will come from [...] 13 his portentous work
from one to the [other . . .] 14 of the tenth day. And in [. . .] 13 [. . .] of the dawn;
and the sons off...] 16 [...] ... [...] 17 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 3 /[...] great [...] 2 and you will be strangled [. . .] 3 When the man from
the likeness [. . .] 4 and he will see no more the shame [. . .] 5 [gr]eat [. . .] ... [. . .]
G Hur ami Miriam
4QHur and Miriam (4Q549)
Frag. 1 / [...] ... [...] 2 [...] to Egypt [...] 4 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 2 1 what he ate, he and his sons [...] 2 her husband eternal sleep [...]
3 upon him and they found him [. . .] 4 his sons and the sons of his broth[er. . .]
5 and they went back outside a moment, [. . .] 6 to leave for the eternal dwelling.
[...]/ Blank And from [...]<? ten. And from Miriam he sired a people [. . .] 9 and
to Sitri. Blank And Hur married [...] 10 And from her he sired Ur and Aa[ron
...] 11 from her four sons [...]
276
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
1Q22 I — II
8 Pseudo-Moses
A Words of Moses
iq Words of Moses (1Q22 [iqDM])
Col. 1 1 [And God spoke] to Moses in the year [forty] of the departure of the
children of Israel from [the land of] Egypt, in the eleventh month, 2 the first
day of the month, saying: [Muster] all the congregation, climb [Mount Nebo]
and stay there, you .j and Eleazar, Aaron’s son. Blank- Interpret [for the heads of]
families of the levites and for all the [priests] and decree to the sons of 4 Israel
the words of the Law which I commanded [you] on Mount Sinai to decree to
them. [Proclaim] in their ears everything 5 accurately, for [I will require] it
from them. [Take] the heavens and the [earth as witnesses] for they will not
love 6 what I have commanded them, they and their so[ns, all the] days [they
live upon the ea]rth. [However] I announce 7 that they will desert me and
chfoose the sins of the najtions, their abominations and their disreputable acts
[and will serve] 8 their gods, who for them will be a trap and a snare. They will
[violate all the] holy [assemblies], the sabbath of the covenant, [the festivals]
which today I command [to be kept. This is why] I will strike them with a great
[blow] in the midst of the land for 10 the conquest of which they are going to
cross the Jordan there. And when all the curses happen to them and strike them
until they die and until 1 1 they are destroyed, then they will know that the truth
has been carried out on them. Blank And Moses turned towards Eleazar, son of
12 [Aaron] and to Joshua [son of Nun, saying] to them: Speak [all the words of
the Law, without leaving any out. Be silent,]
Col. 11 1 Israel, and listen! On this day [you are going to become the peo]ple of
God, your G[od. Ke]ep [my rules], my stipulations, [my commandments]
which 2 today [I] am commanding you [to carry out. And when you cross the
Jordan] for me to give you large [and good] cities, 3 houses full of every [wealth,
vineyards and olive groves] which you [did not plant, weljls bored which you
did not 4 dig, and you eat and become replete, [bew]are of raising your heart
and fo[rgetting what] I command you today; 5 [for] it is your life and your old
age. Blank [And] Moses [spoke] and [said to the sons of Is]rael: Forty 6 [years]
have passed [from the] day of our departure from the land [of Egypt, and] to-
day God, our G[od has caused these wo]rds [to issue] from his mouth 7 [all his
pre]cepts {and all his precepts} How [shall I alone carry] your burden, [your
weight, your qua]rrels? 8 [When] the covenant [has been established and the
path [on which you must] walk has been decreed, [choose for yourselves wise
men who] will explain 9 [to you and your sojns all the words of this Law. [Be]
very [careful,] for your lives, [to keep them, lest] the wrath 10 [of your God]
1Q22 . 29
PSEUDO-MOSES
277
against you be enkindled and reach you, and it closes the skies above, which
make rain fall upon you, and [the water] from under[neath the earth which
gives you 11 [the harv]est. Blank And Moses [continued speaking] to the so[ns
of Is]rael: Th[ese are the command]ments [which God] commands you to carry
out 12 [...]... [...]
Col. hi / [Every seven years you shall leave the land] at rest, [and the yield of
the land’s rest will provide you] with food, you [and your animals and the
beasts of the] field. 2 [...And what] remains will be for the po[or from among
your brothers] who are in the la[nd. No]-one will so[w his field] or prune [his
vine.] 3 [No-one will harvest his harvest or] gather [anything. Keep al[l the
words of] this covenant 4 [carrying them out,] for [. . .] in order to do [. . .] And
in this year you shall grant a release. 5 [Every creditor] who [has lent something
to] someone, or [who possesses something from his brother,] will grant a
release to his fell|ow for 6 [God], your [God, has proclaimed the release. You
are to demand restitution] from the foreigner, but from your brother] you shall
not demand restitution, for in that year 7 [God will bless you, forgiving you
your si]ns . . .] 8 [. . .] in the year [. . .] of the month of 9 [. . .] on this day [.. .Be-
cause your fathers] wandered 10 [in the wilderness until the tenth day of the
month {the[... on the te]nth [day] of the month} 11 You shall refrain [from all
work.] And on the tenth day of the month, you shall atone [...] of the month
12 [. . .] they shall take [. . .]
Col. iv 1 in the congregation of the gods [and in the council of the holy] ones,
and in [. . . in favour of the sons of Isjrael and on behalf of the la[nd] 2 [And you
shall] take [the blood and] pour [it] on the earth [...] 3 [...] and it will be for-
given them [... And] Moses [spoke saying:] Do [...] 4 [...] eternal precepts for
your generations [ . . . ] And on the [ . . . ] day 5 [ . . . ] he will take [ . . . ] the children
of Israel [.. .] 6 [. . .] all that which [. . .] for all 7 [...] of the [. . .] year the person
who [...] 8 [...] upon the book [...] the priest [...] 9 [...] he will lay his ha[nds
...] all this 10 [...] in the [...] year these 11 [...] of the two ... [...]
b Pseudo-Moses
lQLiturgy of the Three Tongues of Fire (1Q29)
Frag. 1 2 [.. .] the stone. When [. . .] 3 [.. .] by tongues of fire. [. . .]
4 [ . . . until] the priest [ . . . ] stops speaking 5 [ . . . who] speaks to you . Behold [ . . . ]
6 [...] who speaks. Dwell [...] 7 [...] yhwh, God of [...]
Frag. 2 1 [...]...[...] 2 [... the] right st[one] when the priest leaves [...] 3 [...]
three tongues of fire [. . .] 4 [. . .] And after he shall go up and remove his shoes
278
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q374 ■ 375
Frags. 3-4 1 2 [.. .] YHWH, your God, [. . .] 3 [...] all Israel [.. .] 4 [. ..]
with all. Your name [.. .] 6 [. . .] the greatness of the power of the glorious ones
[...]
Frags. 5-7 ?[...] these words, according to all [...] 2 [.. .] the priest will explain
all his will to all [...] 3 [...] the assembly. Blank [...] 4 [... Children of] Israel,
keep these words [...] J [•■■] to do all [■ • ■] 6 [.. .] the number of . . . [...] 7 [...] ...
[...]
4QApocryphon of Moses a (4Q374 [4QapocrMoses a])
Frag. 2 col. 11 1 together and [...] 2 And the nations will rise in anger [...]
3 through their deeds and through the impurity of their actions [. . .] 4 and for
[you] there will be neither remnants nor survivor; and for their descendants
[...] s and he planted for us, his chosen ones, in a land preferable to all other
lands [. . .] 6 And he made him like God for the powerful ones, and a fright for
the Pharaoh [...] 7 And their hearts melted and trembled and their entrails
dissolved. [But] he took pity on [them...] 8 And when he made his face shine
upon them for healing, to strengthen their hearts anew and 9 and no-one knew
you, but they melted and trembled. They were startled at the voice [. . .] 10 [. . .]
to them [...] for salvation
4QApocryphon of Moses B (4Q375 [4QapocrMoses b])
Col. 1 [you shall do] ? [all that] your God commands you by the prophet’s
mouth, and you shall keep 2 [all these pre]cepts, and shall return to yhwh,
your God with all 3 [your heart and with all] your soul, and your God will re-
pent of the fury of his great wrath 4 [in order to save] you from all your trou-
bles. However, the prophet who rises up to preach 5 [apostasy] to you, [to make
you] move far from God, shall die. And if the tribe 6 from which he comes
should rise up and say: «He is not to die, for he is a just man, he is a 7 trust-
worthy prophet)), you shall come with that tribe and your elders and your
judges 8 to the place which your God will choose in one of your tribes before
9 the anointed priest upon whose head the oil of anointing has been poured
Col. II 1-2 [. . .] 3 and he shall take [a young bullock from the herd and a ram . . .
and he shall sprinkle] 4 with his fingers [over the surface of the place of atone-
ment . ..] 5 the flesh of the ram [...] and the he-goat 6 for the sin-offering, he
shall ta[ke] it [and slaughter it, and at]one for all the congregation. And Aa[ron
shall sprinkle with the blood] 7 in front of the veil of the curtain and shall ap-
proach] the ark of the testimony and shall study [all the precepts of] 8 yhwh
concerning all [... which] have been hidden from you. And he shall go out
before a[ll the chiefs] 9 of the assembly [. . .]
4Q376 • 3»7
PSEUDO-MOSES
279
4QLiturgy of the Three Tongues of Fire (4Q376)
Col. I [...in front of the anointed priest, upon whose head the oil of anointing
has been poured] 1 [. . . and in front of the seco]nd of the anointed priest 2 [. . .
a bu]llock, young of the herd and a ram [...] 3 [...] to the Urim
Col. 11 1 they will provide you with light and he will go out with him, with
tongues of fire; the stone of the left side which is at its 2 left side will shine in
the eyes of all the assembly until the priest finishes speaking. And after [the
cloud(?)] has been removed j [. . .] and you will keep and d[o al]l [that] he tells
you
Col. ill 1 in accordance with all this judgment. And if there were in the camp
the Prince of the whole congregation [ . . .] 2 his enemies, and Israel is with him,
or if he marches to a city to besiege it or in any affair which [. . .] j to the Prince
[. ..]... [. . .] the field is far away [. . .]
4QPseudo-Moses* (?) (4(33873)
Frag. 1 ;[...]... so they serve me with all their heart 2 and with a[ll . . .] you will
instruct them .j in the service of the deeds [. . .] until ten 4 jubilees of years are
complete. And 1 will bring them to madness [. . .] ... and confusion 5 of heart
and the destruction of the generation. I will liberate the kingdom from the hand
of the powerful ones. 6 [...] ... [...] others of the people. Afterwards, he will
govern 7 ... [. . .] all the country and the kingdom of Israel will perish in those
tfdavs [. . .] a blasphemer and will perform abominations. And I will split 9 [the]
kingdom apart [...] the kings, and my face the hidden ones of Isra<el> w [...]
many peoples [. . .] Israel the cries /?[...] to them
Frag. 2 ; [,.Isra]el from the people. [In their days] I will destroy the kingdom of
[Egypt] 2 [...] and I will destroy Israel [and Egypt and deliver them up to the
sword . . . ] j [ . . . coun]try, and I have removed the ma[n ...] 4 [...] the country
in the hands of the angels of destruction. And I will hide [. . .] 5 [. . Is]rael. And
this will be the sign for them in the day of abandonment of the la[nd . . . ] 6 [. . .]
the priests of Jerusalem to serve other gods. [...] 7 [...] house of [...]
4QPseudo-Moses‘ (4Q388 [4QpsMoses‘])
Frag. 1 1 ...[...] 2 the covenant which [I established] with Abraham, with Isaac
[and with Jacob. In] those [days] j a blasphemous king will arise [for the
na]tions and will do evil things. [...] 4 to Israel from the people. In his days 1
will destroy the kingdom of Egypt [. . .] 5 1 will destroy Egypt and Israel and de-
280
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q389 . 390
liver them up to the sword [...] 6 I have removed the man and I have aban-
doned the country into the ha[nds of the angels of destruction ...] 7 to serve
other gods. [...] ... [...] 8 three who will re[ign . ..] 9 [the] sanctuary [...]
10 [what is uprjight and what is just [. . .]
4Ql,seudo-\losesl/ (4Q389 ^QpsMoses'7])
Frag. 1 1 [...]...[...] 2 [. . .] and the reign will return to the peoples . . .] ... and
the children of Israel 3 [...] a heavy yoke in the lands of their exile, and there
will not be Blank a saviour for them 4 because and only because they have re-
jected my precepts and their soul despised my law. For this I hid 5 my face
[until] they make good their faults. Blank And this will be the sign for them that
they have made good 6 their faults [.. .] I have abandoned the earth because they
hardened their hearts against me and did not know 7 [...] and they did evil.
Blank From [the] first [days] 8 [.. the covenant which I established] with
Abra[ham, with Isa]ac and with 9 [Jacob ...] A blasphemous king will rise up
for the nations and will do evil things 10 [...] I will destroy [...]
C Pseudo-Moses Apocalypse
4QPseudo-Moses Apocalypse1" (4Q390 [4Qps\loses' ])
Frag. 1 z[...]...[...]2 violating . . . And I will] go back [to deliver them] into the
hand of the sons of Aa[ron. . .] seventy years [. . .] 3 And the sons of Aaron will
rule over them, but they will not walk [in the pa]ths which I command you so
that 4 you can caution them. And also they will do what is evil in my eyes, ev-
erything that Israel did 5 in the earliest days of its kingdom, apart from those
who were the first to go up from the land of captivity in order to build 6 the
temple. But I will speak to them and send them precepts and they w ill under-
stand all that 7 they have lost, they and their fathers. And when this generation
passes, in the seventh jubilee 8 of the devastation of the land, they will forget
the law, the festival, the sabbath and the covenant; and they will disobey every-
thing and will 9 do what is evil in my eyes. And I will hide my face from them
and deliver them to the hands of their enemies and abandon them 10 to the
sword. But from among them I will make survivors remain so that they will not
be exterminated by my anger and by the concealment of my face 11 from them.
And over them will rule the angels of destruction and [. . .] and they will come
back 12 and do [...] evil before my eyes and walk according to the desfires of
their heart...] 13 [...] .... [...]
Frag. 2 col. 1 1 [...]...[...] 2 [and my] house, [my altar and] my ho[ly] temple
[. . .] 3 and so it was done [...], for all these things will happen to them [. . .] and
2Q21
PSEUDO-MOSES
281
there will come 4 the dominion of Belial upon them to deliver them up to the
sword for a week of yea[rs. . . During] this jubilee 5 they will break all my laws
• and all my precepts which I will command them [and I will send them by the
hand of] my servants the prophets; 6 and they will begin to argue with one
another for seventy years, from the day on which they break this vow and the
covenant. And I shall deliver them 7 [to the hands of the an]gels of destruction
and they will rule over them. And they will not know and will not understand
that I am annoyed with them for their transgressions 8 [for they will des]ert
[me] and do what is evil in my eyes and what I do not want them to choose:
domineering for money, for advantage 9 [and for wickedness,] one stealing what
belongs to his neighbour and one persecuting his neighbour; they w ill defile my
temple 10 [they will loathe my sabbaths and] my festivals and with the sons of
[foreigners] they will debase their offspring; the priests will rape 11-12 [...] ...
[...]
Frag. 2. col. 11 1-3 [...] 4 the asc[ents (?) ...I5 and with the word [...] 6 we [...]
7 they shall know and I will send [...] 8 and with arrows in order to se[ek...]
9 in the interior of the land and over ...[...] 10 their belongings, and they will
sacrifice in [...] 11 they will desecrate it, and the al[tar...
d Other Texts
2QApocryphon of Moses (?) (2Q21 [2QapMoses ?])
1 [. . . Na]dab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ita[mar. . .] 2 [. . . in order to do you] jus-
tice in truth, and in order to reprove with faithfulness [. ..] 3 [...] Blank [...]
4 [And Moses went out]side the camp and pleaded with yhwh and bowed
down [before . . .] 5 [And he said: yhwh God,] how can I look at you, and how
can I lift my face [towards you...] 6 [...] in order to make a single people for
your deeds [. . .] 7 [. . .] ... [. . .]
282
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q378
9 Pseudo-Joshua
4QPsalms of Joshua" (4Q378 [4QPsJoshua"])
Frag. 3 col. 11 3 and he took out [. . .] 4 and this very day [. . .] 5 and we listen to
Moses [. . .] 6 great and just man [. . . chiefs of ] 7 hundreds, chiefs of fiffties. . .]
8 and (to) the inspectors [...] 9 and he heard and (did) not [•••Do not fear]
10 and do not be afraid, be strong and reso[lute because you] will cause [this
people] to take possession [... yhwh is not] 11 to leave you or desert you [...]
the strength of his hand [...] 12 to leave [at the head of the people...]
Frag. 6 col. 1 4 [. . .] a prayer for our sins 5 [...].. . Do not resemble the brothers
who descend 6 [. . .] your evil deeds for ever, for during eternity (?) 7 [. . .] your
fault. Woe, brothers, upon you
Frag. 11 1 [. ..] because yhwh [your God] ...[...] 2 [... in order to] establish the
word which he gave 3 [...] he swore to Abraham to give 4 good and spacious
[...], a land of streams of water, 5 [of springs and well-heads which gush in] the
plain and on the mountain, a land of wheat and grain, [of vineyards] 6 [of fig-
trees and herds, a land of olive oil and] honey, for it is a land which flows with
milk and honey 7 [. . . of st]ones of iron and of mountains of copper [...]§[...]
to inspect and take possession of [...] 9 [...]...[...]
Frag. 14 1 [...] And the sons [of Israel] wept [over Moses] in the steppes of
Moab] 2 [above the Jordan, close to] Jericho, in Bet-hishimot [as far as Abel ha-
Shittim, for thirty days and they completed] 3 [the days of lament] and mourn-
ing for Moses. And the children of [Israel. . .] 4 [... the covenant] which yhwh
established with [ . . . ] 5 [ . . . fe]ar and trembling before you [ . . . ]
Frag. 22 col. 1 /[...] Moses, my God. And he did not destroy them for their
faults 2 [...] with you by means of Joshua, minister of your servant Moses
3 [■■■] by means of the oracle of God, Joshua, on behalf of your people 4 [...]
. . . which he agreed with Abraham 5 [. . .] compassion with a thousand
Frag. 26 1 [...] he has the knowledge of Elyon and sees [the vision of
Shaddai . . .] 2 [. . .] compassion for us, man of God, according [ . . . ] 3 [ . . . ] and the
assembly of Elyon; they heard the voice of Mo[ses . . . ] 4 [...]...[... ] God Elyon
[...] j [...] vast and large; and in the heat he kept back [...] 6 [...] man of the
pious ones and for ever may he remember [...] 7 [...] ... [...] 8 Blank 9 [...] ...
[...]
4Q379
PSEUDO-JOSHUA
283
4QPsalms of Joshua* (4Q379)
Frag. 1 1 [ . . .] and you made him exult with tweflve. . .] 2 [. . .] eternal to Levi, the
beloved, [...] 3 [.. . | to Reuben and Jufdah. . . 4 [. . .] to Gad and Dan and [...]
5 [. . .] the twelve tribes of [Israel. . .]
Frag. 12 ? [. . .the waters] which come down ...[...] 2 [.. . the waters] which come
down will linger in a barrier .?[...] they will cross drvshod in the 4 [fi]rst month
of the forty-first year of their departure from the land of 5 Egypt; this was the
year of the Jubilees from the start of their entry into the land of 6 Canaan; and
the Jordan floods all its banks with water and overflows 7 its water from the
month ... [...] until the month of the wheat harvest «[...] ... [...]
Frag. 17 2 [...].. . and blessing [...] 3 [. . .] with his words and he was faithful to
the Law [...] 4 [...] Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; to Moses 3 [...] Eleazar and
Itamar. I will rejoice...
Frag. 22 col. 11 5 Blessed be yhwh, God of [Israel. . .] 6 [...] 7 At the time
when Joshua finished prafising and giving] thanks with his prai[ses, he said:]
S«Cur[sed be the ma]n who rebuilds this city! With his first-born (son) [he will
lay its foundations] 9 and with his [youngest so]n [he wil]l set up its gates» Blank
So, then, curfsed be the man of Belial,] 10 [who rises] to be a bird-trap for his
people and a reason for destruction by all his neighbours. And there will arise
n [...] for both to be instruments of violence. They will return and rebuild
12 [that city,] and will establish a wall and towers in it, to make it [a refuge of
evil] 13 [in the land,] a great evil/ in Israel, a horror in Ephraim [and in Judah;]
14 [they have made an abomination] in the land and a great sin / among the
sons of Jacob; they have caused [blood to flo]w/ like wa[ter on top of the ram-
parts of the daughter of Zion and in the precincts of Jerusalem.]
284
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q160 . 6qq
10 Pseudo-Samuel
4QVision of Samuel (4Q160 [4QVisSam])
Frag. 1 1 [.. .] For I swore to the House of [Eli that the sin of the House of Eli
would not be atoned for, either by sacrifices] 2 or by offerings, for ever.] Sam-
uel heard the words of [...] 3 [...] Samuel was lying down before Eli, and he
arose and opened the do[ors. . .] 4 [. . .] to explain the oracle to Eli. But Eli an-
swered him: [. . .] 5 [. . .] Let me know the vision of God! Do not[ hide it from
me, please! May] 6 [God do this to you, and this to you in addition] if you hide
one wor[d of all the words which he told you. . .] 7 [. . .] Samuel [. . .]
Frags. 3-5 col. 11 1 [. . .] your servant. I did not control my strength before this,
because 2 [. . .may they be re]united, my God, with your people; be assistance
for him and raise him up 3 [...] free his feet from the [clinging] bar and estab-
lish for them a rock from of old, for your praise 4 [above all the pe]oples. Your
people will take shelter [in your house] and [. . .] In the anger of those who hate
your people you shall exalt your splendour 5 [and] over the lands and the seas
[. . .] and your fear will be over every [. . .] and kingdom. And all the peoples of
your lands will know [that] 6 you did create them. [...] your holy ones whom
you made holy [. . .]
Frag. 7 ?[...] and there will be [...] 2 I lived with him my feasts and joined
/him/ [...] 3 [. . .] I did not solicit his favour with estates, riches or merchandise
[. . .] 4 [. . .] my lord, and I chose to lie down in the presence of. . . [. . .]
6QApocryphon on Samuel-Kings (6qq)
Frag. 21 1 [... to li]sten to his voice and kefep ...] 2 [...] his precept. [...] 3 [...
in the bo]ok of the Law [...]
Frag. 32 ?[•■•] the Philistines [. . .] 2 his heart, and they fought in front of [. . .]
3[-l ■■■[•••]
Frag. 33 1 [...]...[...] 2 [•■•] and they delivered them into the hands of [...]
3 [...] and fled from there to the king of Moab [...] 4 [...]... [...]
4Q385 • 387
PSEUDO-JEREMIAH
285
11 Pseudo-Jeremiah
4QApocrvphon of Jeremiah c (4Q385b [4QapocrJer C)
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 [. . .] Blank 2 [. . .] Jeremiah the prophet before yhwh, 3 [. . . w]ho
were made prisoners of Jerusalem and were led 4 [. . .] to destroy Nabuzardan,
chief of the escort, 5 [. . .] ... and he took all the vessels from the temple of God,
and the priests 6 [ . . . ] the children of Israel and led them to Babylon . And Jere-
miah the prophet went 7 [. . . | he laughed and told them what they had to do in
the country of exile 8 [...] by the voice of Jeremiah, concerning the words
which God had decreed for him. Blank 9 [. . .] they will keep the covenant of the
God of their fathers in the country of w [exile ...] what they and their kings
and their priests did 11 [...] God [...]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 in Taphnes [. . .] 2 And they said to him: «Intcrpret [. . .] 3 to them
Jere[miah ... but] do not interpret these things for them [...] 4 entreaty and
praver.» And Jeremiah settled [in Taphnes (?)...] 5 [and dwel]t in peace. Blank
[...] 6 Jeremiah in the country of Taphnes which is in the land of E[gypt ...to]
7 the children of Israel and the children of Judah and Benjamin [...] 8 ... and
they will keep my laws and my precepts [...] 9 after ... of the nations, which
[. . .] 10 He will not free [. . .] not [. . .]
4QApocryphon of Jeremiah d (4Q387b [4QapocrJer d)
Frag. 1 /[...] the land of [...] 2 [...] concerning [...] 3 [... a]ll who fall in the
land of E[gypt . . ..] 4 [... Je]remiah, son of Hilkiah, from the country of Egypt
5 [the xxx]-six years of exile from Israel. ... the words of [. . .] 6 [. . .] Israel con-
cerning the torrent Sor. Blank In the position of [. . .]
286
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q385
12 Pseudo-Ezekiel
4QPseudo-Ezekiel‘< (4Q385 [4QpsEz"])
Frag. 2 1 [And they shall know that I am yhwh,] who rescued my people, giv-
ing them the covenant. Blank 2 [And I said: «YHWH,] I have seen many in Israel
who have loved your name and have walked 3 on the paths of [justice.] When
will these things happen? And how will they be rewarded for their loyalty?».
And yhwh said to me: 4 «I will make the children of Israel see and they will
know that I am yhwh». Blank 5 [And he said:] «Son of man, prophesy over the
bones and say: May a bone [connect] with its bone and a joint 6 [with its joint».]
And so it happened. And he said a second time: «Prophesy, and sinews will
grow on them and they will be covered with skin 7 [all over».] And so it hap-
pened. And again he said: «Prophesy over the four winds of the sky and the
winds 8 [of the sky] will blow [upon them and they will live] and a large crowd
of men will rise and bless yhwh Sebaoth who [caused them to live.»] 9 [Blank
] And I said: «0, yhwh, when will these things happen?') And yhwh said to
me [...] 70 [...] a tree will bend over and straighten up [...]
Frag. 3 ?[...] under my grief [... and my heart] 2 disturbs my soul. And the
days will pass rapidly until [all the sons of] 3 man 2 say: 3 «Are not the days
hastening on so that the children of Israel can inherit [their land?»] 4 And
YHWH said to me: «I will not shun your face, Ezekiel; see, I measure [time and
shorten] 5 the days and the years [...] 6 a little, as you said to [...] 7 [For] the
mouth of yhwh has said these things»[. . .]
Frag. 4 7 and my people will be [...] 2 with a whole heart and a [satisfied so]ul
[...] 3 and hide a minute [...] 4 and cleaving [...] 5 The vision which Ezekiel
saw [. . .] 6 the gleam of the chariot and four living creatures; a living creature
[... and when they walk they do not turn] 7 backwards; each living creature
walked on two, and their two fe[et. . .] 8 ... [. . .] was a spirit and their faces were
each joined to the ot[her. And the shape of] 9 their fac[es was: one a lion, o]ne
an eagle, one a calf and one a man. And each one [had a] w man’s [hand] at-
tached at the back of the living creatures and fastened to [the wings] and the
wh[eels. . .] 77 one wheel attached to another wheel while walking, and from the
two sides of the whe[els streams of fire came out] 12 and there were living be-
ings in the middle of the embers, like embers of fire, [like torches in the middle
of] 7 3 the wheels and the living beings and the wheels. And [over their heads]
there was [a vault like] 14 awful ice. And there was a sound [on top of the
vault...]
4Q386
PSEUDO-EZEKIEL
287
4QPseudo-Ezekiel* (4Q386 4QpsEz,'|)
Col. 1 (= 4Q385 2) 1 [And I said: «yhwh,] I have seen many in Israel who have
ljoved your name 2 [and have walked on the paths of justice. When will these
things happen? And] how will they be rewarded for their loyalty?*, j [And
YHWH said to me: «I will make] the children of Israel see and they shall know
4 [that I am yhwh». Blank And he said: «Son of man, prophe]sy over the bones
5 [and say: «May a bone connect with its bone and] a joint with its joint*. And
it happened] 6 [thus. And he said a second time: «Prophesy, and flesh will grow
on th]em and they will be covered with skin 7 [all over...] and the sinews will
grow on them 8 [. . . And so it happened. And again he said: «Prophesy ov]er the
four winds 9 [of the sky and the winds of the sky will blow upon them and they
will live, and] a large crowd of men w [will rise and bless yhwh Sebaoth who
caused them to live.*] Blank
Col. 11 1 And they will know that I an yhwh. Blank And he said to me: (Con-
sider, 2 son of man, the land of Israel.* And I said: «I have seen, yhwh; behold
it is desolate, j And when will you assemble them?* And yhwh said to me: «A
son of Belial w ill plot to oppress my people, 4 but I will not allow him to and
his dominion w ill not exist; but he will defile a multitude. Offspring will not
remain. 5 And from the grapevine there will be no new wine, nor will the bee
make honey. [. . .] And the 6 wicked man I will kill in Memphis and I will make
my sons go out of Memphis. And I will turn myself toward their remnant. 7
Thus, as they will say: «There is peace and order*, they will say «[. . .] the land,
Sas there was in the days of ancient [...]». Then ... [...] 9 [to the fo]ur winds
of the hea[vens . .. to [...] 10 [...] consuming [fi]re [...]
Col. in 1 and he will not have pity on the poor, and will lead (him) to Babylon.
Babylon is like a pot in yhwh’s hand, like dung 2 he will throw her [. . .] 3 in
Babylon and there will be [. . .] 4 the dwelling of your fields. [. . .] 5 desolate [. . .]
6. ..[...]
288
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q243 . 244
13 Pseudo-Daniel
A Pseudo-Daniel
4QPseudo-Daniel" (4Q243 [4QpsDan" ar])
Frag. 1 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [...] over the tower and [...] 3 [...in order toj examine
the sons of [...] 4 [.. .]. . . [. . .]
Frag. 2 1 [,..fo]ur hundred [years...] 2 he [...] them ... and ... [...] all of them
and they shall depart from within 3 Egypt at the hand of [...] he will cause
them to cross the River Jordan 4 [. . .] and their sons [. . .]
Frag. 3 /[...] the children of Israel preferred his presence to [God]’s 2 [and they
sacrificed their sons to the devils of delusion. God grew angry against them
and ordered them to be consigned 3 to the hands of Ne[buchadnezzar, king of
Ba]bylon [to devastate their land] among them, from the hands of [...]
Frag. 4 ?[...] oppressed (for) seventy years [. . .] 2 [. . . this] great [kingdom] and
he will rescue them [...] 3 [...] strong (ones) and a kingdom of peoples [...]
4 [. . .] This is the fi[rst] kingdom [. . .]
Frag. 5 1 [... has] ruled [...] years 2 [...] blkrws [...]
Frag. 6 1 [...] years [...] 2 [...] rhws, son of [...] 3 [...] ws, [...] years 4 [...] to
speak [...]
Frag. 7 1 [. . .] of sin, they made [. . .] stray 2 [. . .in] that [period] the ones called
will reunite [...] 3 [. . . the kings] of the peoples, and from the day [.. .] there will
be 4 [. . . the holy] ones and the kings of the peoples [. . .] 5 [. . .] slaves until the
day [...]
Frag. 8 1 They asked Daniel, saying: [. . .] 2 yhwh will give [...].? ... [. . .]
4QPseudo-Daniel* (4Q244 [4QpsDan;' ar])
Frag. 1 ?[• • •] before the ministers of the King, and he said [. . .]
Frag. 3 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] after the flood 3 [...] Noah [.. .] from [Mount] Lubar
[■■■]■#[■■■] a city
Frag. 4 ;[...] the children of Israel preferred his presence to [God’s] 2 [and they
4Q245 ■ 242
PSEUDO-DANIEL
289
sacrificed their sons to the de]vils of delusion. God grew angry against them
and orfdered them] 3 [to be consigned to the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king
of Bajbylon, and to devastate their land among them by the hands of [. . .] 4 [. . .]
the sons of the exile [...]
4QPseudo-Daniel‘ (4Q245 [4QpsDan‘ ar])
Frag. 1 col. I 7 [...]... 2 [...] and what 3 [...] Daniel 4 [...] a book that he gave
5 [...] Qahat 6 [...] ... Uzzfiah] 6 [...] A[bia]thar 7 [...] ... 8 ... 9 [...] Simeon
10 [...] David, Solomon 11 [...] ...
Frag. 2 7 2 [...] in order to eradicate sin 3 [. . .] those shall stray in
their blindness 4 [. . . th]ey shall arise5 [. . .] the holy ones and return 6 [. . .] iniq-
uity. Blank
B Prayer of Nabomdus
4QPrayer of Nabonidus (4Q242 [4QPrNab ar])
Frags. 1-3 7 Words of the prayer w hich Nabonidus, king of the la[nd of Baby-
lon, [a great] king, prayed [when he was afflicted] 2 by a malignant inflamma-
tion, by decree of the G[od Most] High, in Teiman. [I, Nabonidus,] was af-
flicted [by a malignant inflammation] 3 for seven years, and was banished far
[from men, until I prayed to the God Most High] 4 and an exorcist forgave my
sin. He was aje[w] from [the exiles, who said to me:] 5 Make a proclamation in
writing, so that glory, exal[tation and honour] be given to the name of the G[od
Most High. And I wrote as follows: When] 6 [I was afflicted by a maligfnant]
inflammation, [and remained] in Teiman, [by decree of the God Most High,
I] 7 prayed for seven years [to all] the gods of silver and gold, [of bronze and
iron,] 8 of wood, of stone and of clay, because [I thought] that they were gods
[...]
Frag. 4 7 [...].. .1 had a dream 2 [. . .] has gone far off, the peace of [...] 3 [...] my
friends. I could not [. . .] 4 [. . .] as you were like [. . .]
c Daniel-Susannah (?)
4QDaniel-Suzanna (?) (4Q551)
Frags. 1 + 3 7 [...] knowledge [...]... 2 [.. . t]hen an old man[. . .] it is from 3 [...]
son of Jonathan, son of Jeshua, son of Ishmael, son of [ ... ] After this 4 [ . . . ] and
all the men of the city gathered in front of the house and said to him: «Make
290
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q551
[...] come out [...] God». And they said: 5 [...] ... He [said] to them: «My
brothers, do not do evil [. . .] here 6 for them 7 [...] which 8 [...] my
spirit
4Q55°
ARAMAIC PROTO-ESTHER
291
14 Aramaic Proto-Esther
4Q55°
4QProto Esther" (4QprEstha ar)
1 [and they ob]eved your father Patireza [. . .] 2 and among the attendants of the
royal wardrobe [. . .] performing 3 the service of the King according to all that
[ . . . ] ... At that time 4 the lengthening of the King’s spirit .. . [ . . . ] the books of
his father were to be read in front of him; and among 5 the books was found a
scroll [sealed with] seven seals of the ring of Darius, his father. The matter
6 [. . .] ... [. . . of Da]rius the King to the attendants of the Empire of the whole
earth, peace». I read the beginning and found written in it: «Darius the King
7 [. . .] will rule after me and to the attendants of the Empire, peace. Know that
every tyrant and deceitful
4QProto Esther* (4QprEsth* ar)
1 a man; but the King knows whether there is [. . .] 2 and his good name will not
pass away, and his loyalty [...] 3 of the King will be for Patireza, son of
Ya’[ir...] 4 there fell upon him the dread of the house of Safra [...]5 herald of
the King. May it be said and it will be given [. . .] 6 from my house and from my
belongings and all that which [...] 7 be measured; and you shall receive your
father’s service [. . .]
4QProto Esther' (4QprEsth‘ ar)
1 [. . .] herald of the King. He must say to the princess [...] bani[shed . ..] 2 [.. .]
Patireza [your] father, of Hama who rose above the attendants of the [kingdom]
before the King [...] 3 [...] he served with justice and with [...] before her [...]
4 [...] and the herald said [...]5 [...] the purp[le ...] 6 [...] ... [...]
4QProto Esther^ (4QprEsth‘/ ar)
Col. 1 1 Look, you know [. . . ] and for the failings of my fathers 2 who had sinned
before you, and [. . .] peaceful [...] and left [.. . of his attendants, a 3 Jew, from
the chiefs of Benjamfin. . .] one of the diaspora, stands up for an accusation and
wishes [... a] good divifner], 4 a good man, [...] attendant. What can I do for
you? You know [. . .] possible 5 to a Kutean man the return [. . .] of your king-
dom, rising after you rise [...] 6 However, what you wish command it of me
and when you die I will bury you in [. . .] 7 ravaging (?) everything. Is it possible
that the rise of my service means [...] all that [...]
292
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q55°
Col. 11 1 [...] the decision of [...And] the second ones will pass [...] 2 [... the
plagues and the third ones will pa[ss...] in the [royal] wardrobe [...] j [...] the
crown of g[old upon his h]ead, And five years will pass [...] 4 [...] alone and
[... and the sixth] ones will pass, bl[ack] 5 [...] all silver and all gold and all
the wea]lth which belongs to Bagoshe, doubled, [...] 6 and the seve[nth ones
will pass...Th]en Bagasro entered in peace into the court of the King [...]
7 Bagoshfe returned to [...] his judgment was judged [and the verdict] an-
nounced and he was executed. Then Bagasro entered the sevfenth] court of the
King [...] 8 And he took his hand [...] on his head [...] and hugged him, an-
swering him and saying: «In [ . . . ] Bagasro of [ . . . ]
Col. Ill 1 [. . .] the Most High who you revere and venerate, is the one who gov-
erns [the whole] earth. All that one who approaches should wish [...] 2 [...]
every man who utters a bad word against Bagasro [. . .] will be killed, because
he has nothing [.. .] j [. . .] a barrier for ever. [. . .all] that he had seen in the two
[...]. And the King said to him: «Wri[te.. . ] 4 [...] Emp[ire...] they in the inner
courtyard of the royal palace [. . J5 [. . .] they shall rise after Bagasro, the readers
of this written text [...] 6 [,..ev]il, evil has returned against his [head...] 7 [...
his descendants. Blank
4QProto Esther1' (4QprEsthf ar)
1 [...] before the King [...] 2 walk in the area [...] 3 [...] upon [your] faces [...]
4 [...Ba]gasro [...]
4QProto Esther^]?) (4QprEsth^ ar (?))
1 [...] Look, from the North comes the evil [...] 2 [...] founded the building of
Zion, and there all the unassuming of his people will take refuge. 3 [...] Blank
4 [they] rose above him, they grew great between Media and Persia, Assyria and
the Sea. 5 [...] Blank
4Qig6
TOBIT IN ARAMAIC AND HEBREW
293
15 Tobit in Aramaic and Hebrew
4QTobita (4Q196 1 4QTob'' ar])
Frag. 1 (= Tob 1:17) 1 [...] the wall of Nineveh [...]
Frag. 2 (= Tob 1:19-2:2 / [And one of] the Ninevites [went] and informed the
king that I [was bu]rying [them,] but I found out. And when I knew that 2 [the
king] knew [about me] I took fright and hid. [And] all that I had [was seized],
and I was left with no relations 3 [... except An]na, my wife, and Tobias, my
son. However, [fort]y days had not [passed] 4 [when his two so]ns [killed him.]
And they fled to the mountains of Ararat and af[ter him] 5 [Esarhaddon, his
son] ruled. And to Ahikar, son of my brother Anael, he gave power over all the
6 [treasures of the kingdom, so that he held control] over them and over all the
king’s finances. And Ahikar interceded 7 [for my life and I could return to
Nineveh. Ahikar was the chief of the cupbearers and the keeper of the seals and
the treasurer 8 [and] the administrator before Asharyarib, king of Assyria, while
Esarhaddon made him his second-in-command. See, 9 he was my brother’s son
and from my father’s house and from my family. And in the days of king Esar-
haddon, when I had returned w [to my ho]me and Anna, my wife, had been re-
turned to me, and Tobias, my son, on the day of the Feast of Weefks, they pre-
pared for me] 1 1 a good banquet, and I reclined to [eat.] They brought the table
near, in front of me, and I saw that the dishes that they placed 12 upon it were
many. And I sa[id to Tobias, my son: My son, go and fetch all those you find
from among our brotfhers] 13 [...] My son, go and fetch them, so they may
come and eat [together with us ...]
Frag. 5 (= Tob 3:11-15) 1 [. . .and may my father not hear re]proaches again in
my lifetime. 2 [And then she spread her hands] towards the window [and
prayed] 3 [saying: Blessed be you, merciful God, and blessed (be)] your holy
and glorious name [for ever, and] may 4 [all your works] bless you [for ever.
And now,] to you I lift my face and my eyes: say that I may be freed from 5 [the
earth and not return to hear reproaches. You kn]ow that I am clean in my bones
from every [impurity] 6 [of a male, that I have not def]iled my na[me or my
father’s name in all the land of deportation; 7 [I am my father’s only daughter,
he has no] other son to be his heir, nor (has he) a brother or a relative 8 [that I
should keep] my soul for a son, [to be] his wife. Already there have been
Frag. 1 1 col. 1 (= Tob 6:14-17) 2 [. . . And I have heard that the people said that
a demon] killed them. 3 [And now I am afraid to die and that sorrow for me
bring to the grave the li]fe of my father and of my mother. 4 [And they have no
other son] who could bury them. 5 [And he said to him: Do you not remember
294
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Qi96
the precepts of] your father who commanded you 6 [to take a wife from your
father’s house? Now,] listen to me, my brother, 7 [do not fear this demon and
take her. I know that in] this night 8 [she will be given to you as a wife. And
when you enter the bridal chamber, ta]ke some of the heart 9 [of the fish and
(some) of its liver, place it upon the embers of the incense and the smell will
come out,] the demon will [smell it,] fl[ee]
Frag. 11 col. 11 (= Tob 6:19-7:3) / much [and his heart grew fond of her. And
when they arrived within Ecbatana, Tobias said to him:] 2 Azarias, my brother,
[take me straight to the house of Raguel, our brother. And he took him and
they entered the house of Raguel.] 3 And they found Raguel seated in [front of
the door of the courtyard, and first they wished him peace. And he said to
them:] 4 In peace you came and in peace shall you go, [my brothers. And he
made them enter his house. And he said to Edna, his wife,] 5 How [like Tobit,
my uncle’s son, is this young man! And Edna] aske[d them and said: Where are
you from, brothers?] 6 And they said to her: [From the sons of Naphtali, from
the exiles in Nineveh . . .]
Frag. 15 col. 11 (= Tob 13:6 - 14) 1 your heart and [with all[ your soul to [act
truthfully before him. Then, he will turn to you] 2 and no [longer hide his face]
from you. [And now, consider what he has done for you and give him thanks]
with your whole mouth, 3 and ble[ss the Lord of] justice and exaflt the eternal
king. I, in the land] of exile, give you thanks 4 and declare] his power and his
greatfness to a nation of sinners. Turn, you sin]ners, and with all your heart
ac[t]i just[ly] before him. [...]...[...] 6 [.. .] my soul to the k[ing of heaven ...]
all the days [. . .] 7 [. . . ] his greatness. They will chant psalms #[...] the holy city
... 9 [...] of justice. Give thanks [...] 10 [...] ... [...] 11-12 [...] 13 [...] genera-
tions will pass on to generations [their joy] for you 14 [and ] the name of your
greatfness to] eternal [generations. Cursed be all those who say] harsh things
and all those who against you i$ [...] Cursed be those who [...] and all [...] ...
Frag. 15 col. in 1 [...] and all those who make [your towers] fall [...] 2 [...] be
happy and rejoice in the sons of [...] 3 [...Blessed] those who love you and
bles[sed . . .] 4 [. . . ajll those who suffer for you [. . .] 5 [. . .] the great king who
[...] 6 [...] from my descendants [...] 7 [...] you will be built of sapphire [...]
8 you will be built [of go]ld and your wo[od ...] 9 [...] and stone from [Ophir
...] 10 [...] for all eternity [...] 11 [...] for ever. Those who are in you will bless
[...] 12 [...To]bit and died in peace [...] 13 [. . ,eigh]ty-five years [...] 14 [...] his
eyes he lived well and with all [...] 15 [...] *** and praise the grfeat ...] 16 [...]
his sons and he commanded [...]
4Q196
TOBIT IN ARAMAIC AND HEBREW
295
4QTobit/' (4Q197 1 4QTob;’ arj)
Frag. 3 col. 1 (= Tob 5:19-6:12) 1 [. . . May] our son’s money not be added [to
our money]! And now [it is not enough] 2 [to live as has been granted us by the
Lord to live.] He said to him: Do not fear, my sons will leave in peace 3 [and
he will return to us in peace. Your eyes will see him on the day when he returns
to you] in peace. Do not fear and do not be worried for him, my sister, 4 [for
a good angel will go with him, his path will be successful and he will return in
peace.] And she wept no more. Blanks [The young man left and the an]gel went
with him; [the dog left with them, and the two walked] together. And 6 [the
angel] commanded them [to spend the night close to the river] Diqlat (the Ti-
gris). And the young [man] went down [to the river Tigris to bathe his feet,
and] a great fish [leapt] from the 7 [water which tried to con]sume the young
man’s foot. [The young man shouted, but the angel said to him: Catch and]
grasp the fi[sh. And] the young man caufght] 8 [the fish and grasped it and
brought it] out on dry land. [And the angel said to the young man: Splijt it and
remove [its skin, its heart] 9 [and its liver, and keep them in your] hand, but
[throw away] its guts, [for its skin, its heart] and its liver [are a good medicine.]
And [the young man [split the fish] 10 [and removed the skin, the he]art and
[the liver. The young man cooked part of the] fish and ate it, and also [for the
journey he prepared another part] 77 [with salt. And] the two walked together
[until they appro]ached Media. Blank [Then] 12 [the young man questioned the
angel and] said to him: Azarias, my brother, what good medicine is there in the
heart of the fish and in its liv[er and in its skin? And he said to him:] 13 [As for
the heart of the fish and its liver] make it depart in smoke before a man or a
woman attacked by a demon or by an [evil] spirit [and from them will flee]
14 [every kind of attack and] they will [not] approach them and their vicinity
ever. As for the skin, it is to anoint the ey[es of the man on whom burns had
been caused,] 13 the burns [shall fall away from him] and they shall be cured.
And when they came within Media and were now [going] to Ecbatana] 16 [Ra-
phael said to the young] man: Tobias, my brother. And he answered him: Here
I am. And he said to him: [We are going to spend the night] in Raguel’s house]
77 [tonight, for] he is a man from your father’s house and has a beautiful daugh-
ter [whose name is Sarah. Blank ] 18 [And] he has [no] other son or daughter
except Sarah, and you are the closest relative to h[er from all men| 79 [... and
to take her] for yourself as a br[ide] and you have the right [to inherit all the
property]
Frag. 3 col. 11 (= Tob 6:12-19) 7 [of her father, the young woman is sensible,
and vivaci]ous and very beautiful, and her father loves her [and . . .] 2 [. . .] of her
father. And as for you, a lawful right has decided [that you take her. And now]
3 [listen to me, my brother.] Tonight we will speak about this young woman,
296
PARA-BIBLICAL LITERATURE
4Q197
we will install her so that you take her for a wiffe, and when we return] 4 [from
Rages we will celebrate] the nuptial feast. I know that Raguel will not be able
to deny her to you because he knows 5 [that it pertains to you to secure] and
take his daughter more than to any other ma[n, and he also] knows that if he
gives her to another man 6 [he deserves death according to the sentence of the
book of Mo]ses. And now, [listen to me and we w ill speak about this young]
woman tonight, we will install her 7 [so that you accept her as a wife and take
her to your home. And Tobias answered and said to Rajphael: Azarias, my
brother, I have heard 8 [that she has already been given to seven men who died
in her bridal chamber. In the night in which] they approached her, they g [died.
And I have heard that the people said it was a demon who killed them. And
now,] I am afraid [of the] demon who 10 [did no harm to her, but kills everyone
who tries to approach her. I am an only son for my] father and for my mother
1 1 [and I am afraid of dying and that sorrow for me might bring to the grave the
life of my father and of my mother. And they have no] other son 12 [who could
bury them. And he said to him: Do you not remember the pre]cepts of your
father who commanded you 13 [to take a wife from your father’s house? Now,]
listen to me, my brother, do not fear] this demon and take her. 14 [I know that
in this night she will be given to you as a wife. And when you enter her bridal
chamber, take some of the heart of the fish and of its liver,] 1 5 [place it upon the
embers of the incense and the smell will come out, the demon will smell it, flee
and will not return to appear near her ever again.] 16 [And when you go to be]
with her, [first stand up, both of you, to pray; ask the Lord of heaven that upon
you may come mercy] 17 [and salvation. And] do not fear, [for] she has been set
apart and to you [she belongs from eternity. Blank \ 18 [And you will sa]ve [her
and she will walk with you; and] think that for you there will be [sons from her,
and] that they will be ig [like brothers for you. So, then, do not be afraid. And
when] Tobias heard the words of Rapha[el that Sarah was] his sister and from
Frag. 3 col. in (= Tob 6: 19-7: 10) 1 [the descendants of his father’s house] he
loved her much and his heart grew fond of her. And when they arrived within
Ecbatafna,] 2 Tobias [said to him:] Azarias, my brother, [take me straight to the
house of Raguel, our brother. And he took him and they entered [the house]
3 of Raguel. And they found Raguel seated in front of the door of the court-
yard, and first they wished him peace. And he said to them: In peace 4 you
came and in peace shall you go, my brothers. And he made them enter [his
house.] 5 And he said to Edna, his wife, How like Tobit, my uncle’s son, is this
young man! And Edna asked them and said: Where are you from, brothers? 6
And they said to her: From the sons of Naphtali, from the exiles in Nineveh.
And she said to them: Do you know Tobit, our brother? 7 They said to her: We
know him. Is he well? They said to her: [He is well and healthy. And] Tobias
[said:] 8 He is my father. Raguel jumped up, kissed him and wept. [And he
4Qig8
TOBIT IN ARAMAIC AND HEBREW
297
answered him and said to him: Be blessed, my son, son of the] 9 good man! A
pity [that] a just man [has gone blind! [... And he sprang] 10 into the arms of
Tobias [his brother and wept. And Edna his wife and Sarah his daughter also
wept for him. And he killed] 11 a splendid bull calf [...] 12 to eat and to drink
[...] 13 [...] And he heard [...]
Frag. 4 (= Tob 8:21-9:4) / [...] you shall take her with you to your father’s
house [...] 2 my son, I am your father and Edna [is your mother . . . ] 3 [ . . . do
not] fear, my son. Blank [...] 4 [Then Tobias called Raphael and said to him:]
Azarias, my brother, take with you from here fo[ur servants and two camels]
5 [and go to Raguel.] Approach Gabael, give him the document, [receive the
money, and take it with you for the wedding,] 6 [for you know that my father]
is counting the days, and if I delay [one day . . .]
4QTobit‘ (4Q198 [4QTob‘ arj)
Frag. 1 (= Tob 14:2-6) 1 justice and continued fearing God and prais[ing ...]
2 his sons and he commanded him and sa[id] to him: [. . . because he trusted in
the word of] 3 God who sa[id . . .] 4 ...[...] 5 Everything will happen in its time
[. . .] 6 in all that God has said, [everything will occur and will hapfpen . . . And
our brothers] 7 who dwell in the land of Israel, all of them [will be deported . . .
And all the land of] 8 Israel will be deserted and Sama[ria . . . until] 9 the time
when he will cause them to return [...] 10 [and] not like the first time. Blank [. . .]
11 [they will build] Jerusalem with glo[ry ...] 12 [as the prophets saidj of her
[...] 13 [. . .] and they shall cast away all their idols [...]
Frag. 2 (= Tob 14 : 10 ?) 1 not [. . .] 2 he left [. . .] 3 ... [■■■] 4 fell into the trap of
[death ...]s ... [...]
4QTobitl/ (4Q199 [4QTob</ ar])
Frag. 1 (= Tob 7:12?) 1 [. . .And To]bias [said:] I shall not eat anything here [. . .]
4QTobit' (4Q200 [4QTob‘! hebr])
Frag. 1 col. I (= Tob 3:6) 1 [. . . and may I return to the] dust; 2 [for it is better for
me to die] than to live, for 3 [I have heard false] reproaches [and there is much
sorrow] with me. Command that I be freed 4 [from this conflict . . .] ...
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= Tob 3 : 10- 1 1) 1 they may reproach [my father . . .] 2 whether for
you [. . .] 3 concerning me. It is not convenient [. . .] 4 1 will hear and he will not
hear [. . .] 5 [the wi]ndow and begged [. . .]
298
PARA-BIBI.ICAL LITERATURE
4Q200
Frags. 2-3 (= Tnb 4:4-7) 1 2 [. . .] and she carried you in her wo[mb
. . .] 3 [. . .] Blank And all your days /my son/ God [. . .] 4 of his word. Blank [Act]
truthfully all the days [of your life] 5 [and do not walk on pat]hs of deceit, for
in the practice [of the truth success will be] with you. 6 [...] According to the
size of your hands, my son, be [generous in doing] just deeds (alms), and do not
withdraw] 7 [your face from any poor] person, so that from you [the face of
God does] not [withdraw.] If, my son, you have [much,] 8 [do] ju[st] deeds with
it. [Blank ] If you have little, according to the litftle] 9 [do just deeds, and do not
fear to do a small] just deed: a [good] store
Frag. 5 (= Tob 10:8-9) 1 [When] the fourteen days of [the wedding feast] ended
2 which Raguel had sworn to have for Sarah, his daughter, Tobias came [to
him] 3 and said to him: Allow' me to leave, for I know that [my father] 4 [and
that] my mother also do not believe that they are going to see me again. /And
now/ I beg you, 5 [yes you], my father, that you allow me to leave and I will go
to my father. Already 6 I have told you how I left him. And Raguel said to
Tobias: My son, 7 stay with me and I will send messengers to Tobit, your
fat[her and they shall] tell [him]
Frag. 6 (= Tob 11:10-12) 1 [. . .] to approach his son until [...] 2 [... the sk]in of
the fish in his hand, and he destroyed [...] 3 [... he said] to him: Do not fear,
my father. [...] 4 [...] his eyes, and rubbed [ ] 5- [ ] his eyes, and he saw [...]
Frag. 7 (= Tob 13 :) ?[...] this event and what has happened to you. Blank [...]
2 [...] to him. And they {were astonished} blessed [. . .] 3 [...] his great deed, and
they were astonished that there had appeared [to them [...] 4 [...] Blank Thus
spoke Tobit and wrote a hymn with praises to G[od, and he said:]
5 [Blessed be the] living [God],
whose kingdom is for all the centuries;
6 he is the one who [punishes
and he is the one who] has pity,
he brings down to the deepest Sheol
and brings up from the abyss
7 [immense and great.]
Who escapes from his hand? Blank
Give him thanks, children of Is[rael,]
8 [before all the nations,]
for he scattered you among them;
and there tell [his greatness,]
9 [and exalt him before every] living creature,
for he is your Lord,
and he is your God.
4Q200
TOBIT IN ARAMAIC AND HEBREW
2Q9
Frag. 8 col. 1 (= Tob 13 : 15 ?) ?[...] Then shall you be happy and rejoice 2 [. . .]
and blessed be 3 [ . . . ] all
Frag. 8 col. 11 (= Tob 13 : 18 ?) /Jerusalem a hymn [...] 2 the God who [.. .] j who
[...]4 And.
Frag. 9 (= Tob 14:2 ?) 1 [... Jerusalem [...] 2 [... and he die]d in peace [...]
j [. . .] eighty-five [years] old [. . .] 4 [. . .] and after fo[ur . . .]
Poetic Texts
302
POETIC TEXTS
Due to our ignorance concerning the actual development of liturgical practice
in the Qumran Community, it is not possible to make a precise distinction
between verse compositions intended for liturgical use, and others which seem
rather to have been written in order to inspire collective or individual medita-
tion, or to express personal feelings. The fact that compositions such as the
Community Rule also include sections in verse obviously intended for the com-
munal celebration of the feast of covenant renewal and the use of various liter-
ary forms within a single composition, as happens in the Hymns of Cave 1
( 1 QHodayoth), makes any attempt at classifying the texts even more specula-
tive.
The arrangement of the texts in this chapter and the next is, then only a
suggestion and is based on the predominance within one composition of one
element or other.
The texts in this chapter are poetic in character without a shadow of doubt,
though their liturgical nature is not actually stated.
Due to the bad state of preservation of part of this material, there is no point
in setting it out in strophic form. Nevertheless, the layout highlights the poetic
nature of the best preserved texts, leaving the more fragmentary parts as con-
tinuous text.
The origin of these texts varies enormously. While there is no doubt at all
that the Hodayoth originate from within the Qumran Community, the origin
of the other compositions, in particular the different Apocryphal Psalms , is
rather more uncertain. The use of the compositions, here called Psalms against
demons , as psalms of exorcism, seems to be certain.
For the Hymns from Cave 1, the reconstruction of the original manuscript
suggested by E. Puech has been used, and this applies also to the insertion of
a large number of isolated fragments within the original scroll. See E. Puech,
‘Quelques aspects de la restauration du Rouleau des Hymnes (iqH)’, JJS 39
(1988) 38-55. Due to the different arrangement and the insertion of fragments,
the line numbering does not always match that of Sukenik’s editio princeps. To
assist the reader the correlation with the columns of the editio princeps has been
indicated in parentheses.
4Q88 vii-ix
APOCRYPHAL PSALMS
3°3
1 Apocryphal Psalms
A Apocryphal psalms included in copies of the biblical psalter
4QPsalnW (4Q88 [qQPs^])
Col. vii ( Hymn to Zion = 11Q5 xxii, 1-3) 14 [Blank I remjember you, [Zion] for
blessing;
15 I have loved you [with all my powers.]
[May your memory be blessed for ever!]
16 Great is your hofpe, O Zion;]
1 7 [peace will come and the prosp]ect [of your salvation.]
Col. viii (Hymn to Zion = 11Q5 xxii, 8-15) 1 [Your hope does not die, O Zion]
2 [nor is your wait forgotten.]
3 [Who] is it [that died being just]
4 [or who] is the one who has been saved [in his iniquity?]
[Man is examined] according to his path
5 each one is rewarded according to his de]eds.
6 All round you, O Zion, your enemies are quelled
7 and all those who hate you are scattered.
8 It is pleasant to hear your praise, O Zion,
throughout the whole world.
9 Many times I remember you
w [and I bless you] Zion;
with all my powers I love you.
u You shall receive everlasting justice
12 and accept the blessings of the glorious ones!
13 Accept a vision spoken in your regard
14 a prophets’ dream requested for you!
May you be glorified and magnified, O Zion!
1 5 [Praise the Mos]t H[igh, your Saviour!]
16 [May my soul be happy in your glory!]
Col. ix (Eschatological hymn) 1-3 ...[...]
4 [■•■] many [...]
5 and may they praise the name of yhwh.
Because he comes to judge all things,
6 to obliterate evil-doers from the earth;
7 [the sons] of wickedness will find no [rest].
8 The heavens [will give] their dew,
9 and there will be no corrupt dealing in their frontiers.
304
POETIC TEXTS
11Q5 XVIII
10 The earth [will give] fruit in its season,
11 its crops will not fail.
12 The fruit-trees [. . .] of their vineyards,
13 and their springs will not deceive.
14 The poor will eat
and those who fear yhwh will be replete.
Col. x (Hymn to Judah) 4
5 [...] meanwhile the heavens and earth will exult together.
6 May all the stars of dusk, then, rejoice.
7 Be happy, Judah, be happy!
8 Be happy and burst with joy!
g Observe your feasts, fulfil your vows
10 because within you there is no Belial.
11 Lift up your hand, strengthen your right hand!
See, your enemies perish
12 and all who work evil will be scattered.
13 And you, yhwh, for ever!
14 Your glory shall be for ever and ever!
liQPsalms" (11Q5 [iiqPs"])
Col. xvm (Psalm 154) [With powerful voice give glory to God,
in the assembly of the Many proclaim his Glory;
among the throng of the just give glory to his Name
and with the faithful sing his greatness.]
1 [Unite] your souls with the good ones and with the perfect ones
to glorify the Most High.
2 Join together to make his salvation known
and do not hesitate to proclaim his power
3 and his glory to all ordinary people.
For, wisdom has been granted
so that YHWH’s glory can be proclaimed
4 and so that his many deeds can be recounted
has she been taught to man:
so that his power can be proclaimed to ordinary people
3 so that his might can be explained to those lacking judgment:
those found to be far from his gates,
6 removed Blank from his entrances.
For the Most High is the Lord
7 Blank
8 Blank
11Q5 XVIII-XIX
APOCRYPHAL PSALMS
305
g of Jacob
and his glory beyond all his deeds.
The man who gives glory to the Most High
10 is accepted like one who brings an offering
like one who offers goats and bullocks.
;; like one who makes the altar greasy with many holocausts,
like the sweet fragrance of the just man’s hand.
12 Her voice is heard in the gates of just men
and in the assembly of devout men, her song;
13 they speak about it when they eat to bursting,
when they drink, all meeting together;
14 their meditation is on the Law of the Most High,
their words, to proclaim his power.
13 How distant from the wicked is his word
from all the arrogant his knowledge!
16 See, yhwh’s eyes
have pity on good people;
he increases his compassion on those who give him glory;
1 7 he frees their soul at the instant of danger.
Bless YHWH
who ransoms the humble from the foreigner’s hand
18 [and frees the perfect from the wicked man’s hand;
who raises a horn from Jacob]
and judges [the peoples from Israel,
who pitches his tent in Zion
and remains for ever in Jerusalem.]
Col. xix (Entreaty for deliverance = 1 iqPs h frags, a + b)
1 For not even a maggot could give you thanks,
or a worm tell of your goodness.
2 The living, the living Blank can praise you,
even the ones who stumble extol you.
You teach them, revealing to them
3 your goodness and justice,
for in your hand is the soul of every living being;
4 you give all flesh its breath.
Deal with us, O yhwh, according to your kindness,
5 according to your abundant compassion
and the great number of your just acts.
6 yhwh has heard the outcry of those loving his Name
and has not denied them his goodness.
7 Blessed be yhwh who performs just deeds
3°6
POETIC TEXTS
11Q5 XIX-XXI
8 and crowns his devout with goodness and compassion.
Cry out, my soul, to extol /your/ Name
to announce your good deeds with shouts,
g to proclaim your loyalty;
your praise is mysterious.
10 For my sins I was on the point of dying
and my iniquities sold me to Sheol.
u But you, yhwh, saved me
according to your abundant compassion
and the great number of your just acts.
12 I too have loved your Name
and I have looked for sanctuary in your shade.
The memory of your power strengthens my heart
is I relax in your goodness.
Pardon my sins, yhwh,
14 and cleanse me from my iniquity.
Bestow on me a faithful and knowing spirit;
may I not be disgraced in the calamity.
15 May Satan not rule over me
or an unclean spirit;
may neither pain nor evil purpose
16 take possession of my bones.
Because you, yhwh, are my praise
and in you I hope all day.
17 May my brothers be happy with me
and my father’s house,
whom you baffled by your favour
in you shall I be happy for ever.
Col. xxi (Hymn to wisdom - Ben Sira 51 : 13 - 19) 11 Aleph Although still young,
before going astray
I searched for her.
Beth Beautiful she came to me
12 when at last I found her.
Ghimel As falls the flower when grapes are ripening
making the heart happy,
13 Daleth directly walked my foot
for since my youth I have known her.
He Hardly my ear I bent
14 and found great allure.
Wam Wet-nurse was she for me
11Q5 XXI-XXII
APOCRYPHAL PSALMS
3°7
on my mistress I conferred my honour.
is Zam Zealous for good,
I decided to enjoy myself
ceaselessly.
Heth Charred was my soul for her
16 I did not give in.
Teth Torrid my desire for her
and on her heights I was not serene.
17 Yodh Yes, ‘my hand’ opened [her doors]
and I inspected her nakedness.
Kaph Cleansed then ‘my hand’ [. . .]
Col. x\u(Hymn to Zion = 4QPS1 i/vii-vm) 1 (Aleph Blank Ah, I remember you,
Zion, for blessing;
2 Beth beloved to me with all my powers.
May your memory be blessed for ever!
Ghimel Great is your hope, O Zion;
j peace will come and the longing for your salvation.
Daleth Dwell shall generation after generation in you,
generations of the devout shall be your splendour;
4 He hungering for the day of your salvation
Waw with the greatness of your glory shall they rejoice,
5 Zam suckle shall they at your splendid breasts,
they shall scamper about your marvellous squares.
Heth Cherish w ill you the goodness of your prophets
6 you will revel in the deeds of your devout ones.
Teth (Then purge ferocity from within you,
7 may lying and sin be eradicated from you.
Yodh Your sons will rejoice within you
and your loved ones will be united with you.
8 Kaph Keenly they have waited for your salvation;
how your perfect ones have observed mourning for you!
Lamed Lo, your hope does not die, Zion,
9 nor is your longing forgotten.
Mem Might anyone have died through being just?
Might anyone have been saved in his sin?
10 Nun Anent his path is a man examined
each one rewarded according to his deeds.
Samek Suppressed, O Zion, are your enemies around you
and all those who hate you are scattered.
Ain A lovely scent, O Zion, is your praise
12 which rises in all the world.
3°8
POETIC TEXTS
11Q5 XXIV
Peh Past counting the times 1 remember you for a blessing,
with all my heart I bless you.
13 Sade Secure eternal justice
and receive the blessings of the glorious ones!
14 Qoph Acquire the vision spoken in your regard
the prophets’ dreams requested for you!
Resh Rank glorified and magnified, O Zion!
15 Praise the Most High, your Saviour!
Tau Thrill may my soul in your glory! Blank
Col. xxiv (Psalm 155) 3 yhwh, I call to you, listen to me;
4 I extend my hands to your holy dwelling;
bend your ear and grant my plea,
5 and my entreaty, do not reject it;
Beth} build up my heart and do not erode it
or forsake it in the presence of wicked men.
6 Ghimel Grant that the judge of truth
turn away from me
the recompenses of evil.
7 O YHWH, do not judge me by my sin
because no-one living is just in your presence.
8 He Have me instructed, yhwh, in your law,
and teach me your precepts
9 Wam whereby many hear your deeds
and the peoples honour your glory.
10 Zam Recognize me and do not forget me
or lead me into difficulties.
1 1 Heth From me childhood sin remove
and may my offences not be remembered against me.
12 Teth Turn me pure, YHWH, from the evil taint
may it stop coming back to me;
13 Yodh dry up its roots in me
may its leaves not become green again over me.
Kaph Glory are you, yhwh,
14 therefore my plea is achieved in your presence.
Lamed To whom may I shout and he would grant it to me?
13 The sons of men: what can their strength do?
Mem Mv trust is in you, YHWH.
16 I called «yhwh» and he heard me
[and healed] my broken heart.
iy Nun Now I slumbered and slept;
I dreamt and, well: [woke up!]
11Q5 XXVI-XVII
APOCRYPHAL PSALMS
309
Same k? [Sustained me, yhwh, you have
and I called to you], yhwh, [my deliverer.]
18 Ain? [And now I rejoice in his shame;
1 trusted in you and have not been disillusioned.
Peh Pay for Israel, your devoted ones, O yhwh,
and the house of Jacob, your chosen ones.]
Col. xxvi (Hymn to the Creator) 9 Great and Holy are you, yhwh,
the Holiest of Holy Ones, from generation to generation.
In front of him walks glory
10 and behind him boom copious waters.
Goodness and truth surround his face,
11 truth, uprightness and justice are the base of his throne.
He separated light from darkness
established the dawn with the knowledge of his heart.
12 Then all his angels saw him and sang
for he showed them what they had not known.
13 He covered the mountains with produce
perfect nourishment for all the living.
14 Blessed be he who made the earth with his strength
establishing the world with his wisdom.
With his knowledge he spread out the heavens
15 and brought out [the wind] from his storehouses:
[with (the) lightning flashes] he unleashed [the rain]
and made the clouds from the end [of the earth] go up.
Col. xxvn (Compositions of David > 2 Sam 23:7) 1 and the haft of his spear
and he cast them in the fire
leaving no trace of them.
2 Blank And David, son of Jesse, was wise, a luminary like the light of the sun,
learned, 3 Blank knowledgeable, and perfect in all his paths before God and
men. And to him 4 Blank yhwh gave a wise and enlightened spirit. And he
wrote psalms: 5 three thousand six hundred; and songs to be sung before the
altar over the perpetual 6 offering of every day, for all the days of the year:
three hundred 7 and sixty-four; and for the sabbath offerings: fifty-two songs;
and for the offering for the beginning 8 of the month, and for all the days of the
festivals, and for the day of atonement: thirty songs. 9 And all the songs which
he composed were four hundred and forty-six. And songs 10 to be sung over
the possessed: four. The total was four thousand and fifty. 11 He composed
them all through the spirit of prophecy which had been given to him from
before the Most High. Blank
3io
POETIC TEXTS
11Q5 XXVIII
Col. xxviii (Psalm 151) 3 Halleluia of David, son of Jesse.
I was smaller than my brothers
and younger than my father’s sons;
4 he put me as shepherd of his flock
and master of his kid goats.
My hands made a flute,
my fingers a lyre,
5 and I gave glory to yhwh.
I said to myself:
the mountains do not witness in his favour,
6 nor do the hills proclaim on his behalf,
nor the trees his words
or the sheep his deeds.
7 Who, then, is going to announce
and who will speak
and who will narrate the deeds of the Lord?
God saw everything
8 he heard everything
and listened.
He sent his prophet to anoint me
9 Samuel, to make me great.
My brothers went out to meet him
well built,
very presentable.
They were quite tall,
10 they had attractive hair,
but yhwh God did not choose them,
instead he sent to fetch me from following the flock
11 and anointed me with holy oil
and set me as leader of his people
/and chief of/ the sons of his covenant.
12 Blank
13 Beginning of David’s exploit,
after God’s prophet had anointed him.
Meanwhile I saw a Philistine
14 threatening from [...]
![■■•]
tiQPsalms* (iiq6 [iiqPs*])
Frag, a (= tiQ5 xix, 1-9) 1 [poor] and weak am I,
for [...]
i iq6 . 4Q380
APOCRYPHAL PSALMS
3H
2 [For] not even a grub can give you thanks
[or a maggot narrate your goodness.]
3 [The live person,] the live person can praise you.
[They shall extol you those who stumble.]
4 [You teach them, revealing to them]
your goodness and your justice,
[for in your hand is the spirit of every] living thing;
5 you give all flesh its food.
[Deal with us, O yhwh, in accordance with your kindness
in accordance with your abundant comp]assion
6 and your numerous just deeds.
[yhwh has heard the cry of those loving his Name]
7 [he has not removed] from them his goodness.
Blesfsed be yhwh who performs just deeds]
8 [and crowns his devoted ones] with goodness and compassion.
[May my soul shout to extol your Name,]
9 [to proclaim] with cheers your acts of goodness
to annfounce your constancy;]
Frag, b (= 1 1Q5 xix, 12- 15) /[and in your shade] I have looked for shelter.
The memory of [your power strengthens my heart,]
[I rest in your acts of goodness.]
2 Forgive my sins, yhwh,
[and cleanse me from my iniquity.]
3 Adorn me [with a spirit of loyalty and knowledge;]
may I not be disgraced in the calamifty.]
B Independent collections of apocryphal psalms
4QNon-Canonical Psalms A (4Q380)
Frag. 1 col. 1 ?[...] 2 [. . .Jerusalem is 3 [the city chosen by yh]wh for ever and
ever 4 [. . .] holy ones j [Because the Na]me of yhwh is invoked over her, 6 [and
his glory] is seen over Jerusalem 7 [and] Zion. Who will utter the Name of
8 yhwh? And who shall proclaim all [his] praise? 9 yhwh [remem]bered him
in his favour and visited him 10 in order to make him see the good u [of his
chosen] ones in order to che[er him in the joy of his people.]
Frag. 1 col. 11 / Fie made a man for you [...] 2 Because he is the one [whose
wojrds they keep [. . .] 3 which is for all the children of Israel [. . .] 4 May your
hand rescue you, for God’s power [...] 5 doing good and hating the wicked.
Until [when. . .] 6 will you take pleasure in doing evil? Unless the wicked person
312
POETIC TEXTS
4Q38l
expires [...] 7 Blank 8 Hymn of Obadiah. God [...] 9 the truth in it and his kind-
ness [...]
Frag. 2 1 2 [. . .] mountains and hills [. . .] j [. . .] those who rely on
them shall shudder [. . .] 4 [. . . and they shall shout to] yhwh in their distress.
From their difficulties ...] 5 [... and he will free them. For] with the devout
yhwh is compassionate. [...] 6 [...] to the man [ ] 7 [ ] ... [...]
Frag 4 z Hymn of [. . .] 2 You shall repel the [. . .] j He will make [. . .] wise 4 and
...[...]
4QNon-Canonical Psalms b (4Q381)
Frag. 1 z [...] I proclaimed.
And I reflected on his wonders
which for me shall be (the) teaching of justice.
2 [. . .] my mouth;
and to the simple, and they shall understand,
and to those without heart, and they shall know yhwh.
How powerful. . .]
3 wonders!
He, in his day, made the heavens and the earth.
With a word from his mouth [. . .]
4 and torrents;
they shall channel their streams (?),
pools and every whirlwind,
and ... [...]
5 the night, the stars and the constellations;
and he caused [. . .] to shine (?) [. . .]
6 tree and every fru[it of the vi]ne
and all the produce of the field.
And according to his words ... [. . .]
7 to [his wi]fe.
And by his spirit he established them
to control all of them in the earth,
and with all [...]
8 month by month, feast by feast, day by day,
to eat its fruit ...[.. .]
9 [---]
and the birds and all that is theirs
to eat the best of everything.
And also [...]
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APOCRYPHAL PSALMS
313
10 [. . .] in them
and all his armies and his anfgels...]
11 [. . .] in order to serve man
and help him and [ . . .]
Frag. 15 »[...] you shall change my heart and [. . .]
2 [...Turn your face to me
and have pity on me,
give your strength to your servant]
and save the son of your maidservant.
3 Show me [a sign for good,
so that those who hate me see it and are bewildered,
because you,] my God, did help me
and I made my case to you, my God.
4 [. . .You control the de]pths of the sea
and you calm its waves;
5 you [crushed Rahab like a corpse,
with your powerful arm you scattered your enemies.
The world and] what fills it, you established
6 You have a [powerful] arm;
[strong is your hand;
upraised is your right.
Who in the heavens is like you] my God?
And who among the sons of gods?
7 And in the whole [company of the holy ones? . . .
For you] are the glory of its grandeur,
and I, your anointed, have understood.
Frag. 24 4 Hymn of the man of God.
YHWH God [...]
5 He has redeemed Judah from all hardships,
and of Ephraim [. . .]
6 generation.
The mighty shall praise you and say:
‘Arise, my God [...]...[...]
7 Your Name is my salvation;
my rock, my fortress and my deliverer [is yhwh...]
8 On the day of [my hardship] I will call to yhwh
and my God will answer me;
my help [...] those who hate me.
And [...] will say: 9 because [...] to the people, and I [... (may) my sh]out be-
fore him reach his ears.
3H
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Frag. 31 1 [...] in the net which they hide I will sing to you, yhwh,
[...] 2 [...] I will praise your wonders [...] before you. [...] You will rescue me
and extricate me from the teeth of death. And you [...] (to) the heights of all
[...] 3 [• ••] of all his path [...] in a holy place. [...] Blank
4 [Prayer of . . .] King of Judah:
Listen, [my] God [. . .] ... my strength
[. . .] I will narrate before those who fear you
[. . .] ... with me [. . .]
5 [... Your thjoughts,
who can understand them?
For my enemies are before you.
You have humiliated them and the ones who detest my life
you have overturned them before your eyes,
I shall live, for, [...]
6 [...You will not] hide (the) sin from those who have knowledge.
You will destroy them.
God of my salvation, the days of my service are counted.
What can I do?
Here I am, weak,
7 [...You will deliver] to the sword those waiting for me;
on the day of w rath, those who say . . .
They have plaited a crown for my head.
I shall know the fruits of their glory,
8 and their ornaments [. . .]
a question on my lips [. . .]
from the book of life [. . .]
those who bully me will stop
my enemies will die,
and not [...]
9 [...]... song of thanksgiving
[. . .] with you [. . .] Blank
Frag. 33 ?[■■■] and for her there will be no offspring [...] ... [...] 2 And you will
establish for my times and ... [...Above the heavens, rise, yhwh, and ... [...]
3 and we will revel in your might, because [your wisdom] is unfathomable [. . .]
. . . your reproach will be 4 eternal [. . .] for me and for your glory. For my faults
are too many for me and [. . .] ... But you, my God, will send your spirit and
[have pity] 5 on the son of your maidservant, and compassion on the servant
who approaches you. And [. . .] I will sing and rejoice in you in the presence of
those who fear you, for [you will judge] f> your servants in your justice accord-
ing to your compassion [...] to set free ... [...] (to) you. Selah. Blank 7 Blank
8 Prayer of Manasseh, king of Judah, when the King of Assyria put him in
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APOCRYPHAL PSALMS
315
prison. [...]
My God [...] near,
my salvation is in front of your eyes;
[...]
g I await the salvation of your presence.
I yield to you for my sins,
for you have incr| eased your compassion],
whereas I have added to my fault,
and so [have separated myself ] from everlasting joy.
10 You have not looked at the goodness of my soul,
for]...]
Frag. 45 1 And I shall understand and teach whoever does not understand. Him
[. . .] and I shall fear you and purify myself 2 from all the abominations that I
am aware of. And I shall humble my soul in your presence [. . .] They increased
sin, plotted against me 3 to confine me. But I trusted in you [. . .] 4 Do not pro-
nounce sentence against me, my God [. . .] 5 Those conniving against me open
a deceitful tongue [...] 6 for me. The deeds of [...] 7 ... [...]
Frag. 46 /[...] against me [. . .] 2 Your abundant favours [. . .] ... [. . .] a horn is
given to me [. . .] 3 with you. And I ...[.. .] idols. Your laws, your splendour and
your beauty [...] 4 will spread out like clouds over the face [of the earth . ..] and
our sandy places, and they will be scattered in great numbers, until [. . .] 5 Man
will not be prevail, nor will | . ..] arise [. . .] you test everyone. The chosen (ones),
like the offerings, you will purify in your presence. Those who are hated 6 you
will reject like uncleanness. A storm wind [. . .] their deeds. But those who fear
you will be before you forever. Their horns are horns of 7 steel with which they
gore many. They will gore [...] You will make their hooves of bronze, and
sinners 8 will be trampled like dirt on the face of the earth. [...] They will be
hurled from before [...] And your spirit [...] 9 [...] and a searing fire [...] ...
[...]
Frag. 69 1 [. . .] (to) them because [. . .] When he saw that the peoples of the earth
behaved abominably 2 [. . .] all the earth went from impure defilement to impure
defilement. And wonderfully, from the beginning, 3 [...] conferred with his
heart to destroy them from upon it and to create on it a people for himself
4 [. . .] And through his spirit he gave you prophets to teach you and show you
5 [. . .] /he came down from heaven and spoke to you to teach you and keep you
away from the deeds of the inhabitants of/ he gave you laws, instructions and
commandments of the covenant which he established through the hand of
[Moses . . .] 6 [. . .] to reside on the earth. Then it will be purified and [. . .] 7 [. . .]
to consider among yourselves if you will be for him, or if [...] 8 [...] and break
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POETIC TEXTS
4Q38l
the covenant which he established with you, and act like foreigners and [...]
9 [■■•] against wickedness and alter his words from his mouth. [...] m [...] ...
[...]
Frags. 76-77 /[...] for me. Animals and birds, be gathered [...] 2 [...] with the
sons of man, following the inclination of the thoughts of their heart . . .] 3 [. . .]
will be destruction [...] 4 [...] fire and annihilation. And [...] not 5 [...] the
people of its belongings. [...] 6 [...] ... [...] Blank 7 [...] congregation of the
Holy of Holies, lot of the King of Kings [...]£ [...] my word. You will pay
attention to the wisdom which issues from my mouth, and will understand [. . .]
9 [. . .] and the honest judge and the reliable witness. Do you perhaps have the
strength to answer him? [...] 10 [...] to proclaim. Who among you will reply
and dispute with him.' [...] n [...] because those who judge you are many and
those who bear witness against you are countless. But is [. . .] 12 [. . .] yhwh will
sit in judgement with you to judge in truth and without injustice [...] 13 [...]
his spirits, to render you judgments of truth. Is there knowledge, for you to
learn it? [. . .] 14 [. . .] Lord of Lords, hero, wonderful. There is no-one like him.
He has chosen you [...] 75 [... from among] many [peoples] and from among
great nations so that you will be a people for him, to rule over everyone [...]
16 [. . .] heaven and earth, and to be at the summit of all the nations of the earth,
and to [...]
iqH iii-iv 13
THE HYMNS
317
2 The Hymns
iQHvmns“ (lQHodayoth" [iqH"])
Cols. 1- hi [ Nothing has been preserved.]
Col. hi (= frags. 16 + 11)
Frag. 16 / [...] turning himself round [...] 2 [...] the oppressed [...] 3 [...] his
gentleness with the poor [...] 4 [...] And who can measure [ ] j [...] ? And
who can measure the strength of [...] 6 [...] eternal. Who plots [...] 7 [...] pre-
vious [...]<?[...] ... [...]
Frag. 11 j 2 [...] it has stood for all the years of eternity
from your hand every seal 4 the sons of man according to their
intelligence [...]5 [...1 his kingship. Who has made all these things? [...] 6 [...]
for you the pleasure. In justice shall you place [...] 7 [...1 in your presence [.. .]
and the creature of clay [...] 8 [...j he will answer. You are glorified above all
the go[ds . . .] 9 [. . .] holiness, and according to what there is in your soul [. . . J
10 [ . . . ] for your name. You [ . . . ] in the congregation of the holy [ones . . . ]
Col. iv (= xvii + frag. 14) 1 [...] a low measure [...] 2 [...] revealed, without
judg[ment, for] by the spirit 3 [...] a fire which consumes the fl[esh of] their
dead without 4 [. . .] in the dry earth [. . .] without judgment 5 [. . .] striking sud-
denly, unexpectedly [...] as wax 6 [melts in front of the fire ...] judgment by
the spirit which seeks you. And there will arise 7 [. . .] you shall throw into [. . .]
the commandment. Blank By the spirit [...]... 8 [. . .] by the blows of [...] Blank
[. . .] Blank
9 [I give you thanks, Lord,]
for the secrets which [...]
which do not [. . .] reach
10 [... ] and by the judgment of [. . . ]
thoughts of wickedness [...]
11 [...] and by the judgment [...]
[You have purified] your servant from all his sins
[by the abundance of your co]mpassion,
12 [as y]ou said through the hand of Moses,
[forgiving rebellion,] iniquity, sin,
atoning for [failings] and disloyalty.
13 [Even though you burn] the foundations of mountains
and fire [sears] the base of Sheol,
those who [keep] your regulations [are saved.]
POETIC TEXTS
iqH iv 14-25
318
14 [You protect] the ones who serve you loyally,
so that their posterity is before you all the days.
You raise an [eternal] name for them,
15 [forgiving them all] sin,
eliminating from them all their depravities,
giving them as a legacy all the glory of Adam
and plentiful days. Blank
16 Blank
17 [I give you thanks, Lord,]
for the spirits you have placed in me.
I shall find the reply on (my) tongue
to recount your (acts of) justice,
18 the patience [of your judgments,]
the deeds of your mighty right (hand),
to confess my former sins,
to bow low and beg favour
ig for [...] of my deeds
and the depravity of my heart.
Because I wallowed in impurity,
[I separated myself] from the foundation [of truth]
and I was not allied with [...]
20 [...]
To you does justice belong,
blessing belongs to your Name for ever!
[Act according to] your justice,
21 free [the soul of your servant,]
the wicked should die!
However, I have understood
that [you establish] the path of the one whom you choose
22 and in the insight [of your wisdom]
you prevent him from sinning against you,
you restore his humility through your punishments,
and by your ord[eals strengthen his heart. Blank
23 [You, Lord, prevent] your servant
from sinning against you,
from tripping over all the words of your will.
Engrave your com[mandments in him,]
so that he can hold himself up against [fiendish] spirits,
24 so that he can walk in all that you love
and loathe all that you hate,
[so he can do] w hat is good in your eyes
25 [...] in my vitals,
iqH iv 26-v 18
THE HYMNS
319
for your servant is a spirit of flesh. Blank
26 [I give you thanks, Lord, because] you have spread your holy spirit upon your
servant his heart 27 [. . .] and I will consider every human treaty [. . .]
they shall find it 28 [. . .] and those who love it [. . .] for ever and ever.
Col. v (= xiii + frags. 15 + 31 + 17 + 20 + 33) [Chant for the Instructor for [...]
God’s deeds 2 [...] and to make the simple understand [...] eternal 3 [...] of
knowledge, to make the man [...] of flesh understand, and the council of the
spirits [. . .] they walked 4 [. . .Blessed] are you, Lord, because the spirit of flesh
is forgiven through your mer[cies ...] with the strength of your power, 5 [the
greatness of] your favour, with the abundance of your goodness, [the slowness]
of your wrath and the zeal of your judgment [... without] limit. Every6[one
w ho has been chosen by] the knowledge of all intelligence will understand [. . .]
and the mysteries of your plan and the beginning of [. . .] you have established.
/ [For] to you belongs holiness before the centuries and for ever and ever. You
are [. . .] holy ones 8 [. . .] And in your wonderful mysteries you have instructed
me for your glory, and the depth of [...] of your knowledge (does) not 9 [...]
But you have revealed the paths of truth and the deeds of evil, wisdom and
folly, [...] 10 [...] their deeds: truth and insight, sin and folly. They have all
walked [. . .] 11 [comp]assion and everlasting favour for all the periods of peace,
and ruin for all [...] 12 his judgments. Everlasting glory, delight and unending
enjoyment for a [good] deed [... but ...and punishment for 13 a bad de[ed.]
Blank
These are those you fou[nded before] the centuries,
14 to judge through them all your works before creating them,
together with the host of your spirits and the assembly of [the gods,]
with the holy vault and all its hosts,
15 with the earth and all its produce,
in the seas and in the deeps,
according to all their designs for all the eternal ages
16 and the final visitation
For you have established them
before the centuries,
and [in them you have enha]nced the action of [man]
ij so that they can recount your glory throughout all your kingdom;
for you have shown them what they had never seen,
[overcoming] what was there from of old
and creating new things,
18 demolishing ancient things
and erecting what would exist for ever.
For you have established them
and you will exist for ever and ever.
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POETIC TEXTS
iqH v 19-vi 5
lg In the mysteries of your insight
you have apportioned all these things,
to make your glory known.
However, what is the spirit of flesh
to fathom all these matters
20 and to appreciate your great and wondrous secret?
What is someone born of a woman among all your awesome works?
21 He is a structure of dust shaped with water,
his base is the guilt of sin,
vile unseemliness, source of impurity,
over which a spirit of degeneracy rules.
22 Blank
If he brings about evil it will be an eternal [sign,]
a portent for generations,
shame for all flesh.
23 Only by your goodness is man acquitted,
[purified] by your abundant compa[ssion.]
You embellish him with your grandeur,
you install him in your abundant pleasures,
24 with everlasting peace and lengthy days.
For [you are the truth,]
and you do not go back on your word. Blank
And I, your servant, have known
25 thanks to the spirit you have placed in me
[...]
and all your deeds are just,
and you do not go back on your word,
26 and all your periods are fixed
[...] chosen for their pleasures.
And I know [. . .]
27 the wicked [...] so that he may realise [...] 28 [...] your spirits [...] 29 [...] ...
[...]
Col. vi (= xiv + frags. 15+18 + 22 + 44 + 9) 1 [...] his instructions [...] in your
people [...]... 2 [...] our ears [...]
[Fortunate,] the men of truth,
those chosen by justice, those probing the] mind,
3 those searching for wisdom, those bui[lding . . .]
[those who l]ove compassion, the poor in spirit,
4 those refined by poverty and those purified by ordeal,
the comfpassionate . . . those who keep thejir nerve until the time of judgment,
5 those alert for your salvation.
iqH vi 6- 17
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321
And you [...] have strengthened your precepts through their hands
6 to make judgment on the world,
so that all inherit your jus[tice...]
holy for everlasting generations.
7 And all [. . .] of their deeds,
with [. . .] the men of your vision. Blank
8 Blank
[I give you thanks,] Lord,
for putting wisdom in the heart of your servant
9 to know these matters,
to understand...]
to be encouraged in the face of the assaults of evil,
10 to bless, in justice, all the chosen ones of your will
[. . . to love all th]at you love,
and hate all that you [loathe.]
11 You teach your servant
[. . .] of the spirits of man,
for corresponding to the spirits
you allot them between good and evil,
12 and set over them [. . .
to sho]w them their actions.
But I,
I have known, thanks to your insight
13 that in your kindness towards man
you have enlarged his share with the spirit of your holiness.
Thus, you make me approach your intelligence,
H and to the degree that I approach
my fervour against all those who act wickedly
and (against) men of guile increases;
for everyone who approaches you,
does not defy your orders,
is and everyone who knows you
does not change your words.
For you are just,
and all your chosen ones are truth.
All sin and wickedness
16 you obliterate for ever,
and your justice is revealed to the eyes of all your creatures.
Blank
17 But I,
I have known, thanks to the wealth of your goodness,
and with an oath I have enjoined my soul
322
POETIC TEXTS
iqH VI 17-vn 7
not to sin against you
18 and not to do anything which is evil in your eyes.
In this way I force all the men of my counsel
to make progress in the community.
ig According to his intelligence I promote him,
I love him in proportion to his abundant inheritance.
I do not lift my face to evil,
or consider a wicked gift.
20 I do not exchange your truth for wealth,
or for a gift all your judgments.
Quite the reverse, to the degree [. . .] I love him,
21 and to the extent that you remove it from him, I hate him. Blank
I will not admit into the council [of your truth]
22 someone distant from your covenant.
Blank
23 I give you thanks, Lord,
according to your great strength
and your abundant wonders
from eternity and for eternity.
You are lofty, great, lavish in favours,
24 you are someone who forgives those who turn away from sin
and someone who punishes the depravity of the wicked.
[You love the truth] with a generous heart
25 and you hate depravity, for ever.
And myself, your servant, you have favoured me
with the spirit of knowledge
[so that I can love] truth [and justice,]
26 so that I loathe all the paths of wickedness.
1 love you liberally, with (my) whole heart,
27 [with (my) whole soul I look for] your wisdom,
because these things happen at your hand
and without [your approval nothing exists.]
28 [...] flesh will rule it [...] ... [...] 29 [...] him, and he will construct with help,
the [. . .] 30 [. . .] of the vault upon the wings of the wind [. . .]
Col. vii (= xv + frags. 10 + 32 + 34 + 42) 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [.. .] ... I have received
intelligence [. . .] 3 [. . . to your wonjders what reply shall we make? For you have
dealt [kindly] with us and have done wonders [with us...] 4 [...] they will not
gather the strength to know [in] your glory [or to tell] of your wond[ers...]
5 [...].. . according to their intelligence. And in accordance with this knowledge
[and by] your glory [. . .] 6 below [. . .] unceasingly. And from age to age he will
make . . . hear [. . .] 7 [. . .] And we have collected together as a Community, and
iqH vii 8-26
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323
with those who know [...] ... /for you/ ... 8 your compassion [...] the people
of your heroes, and before your wonders we shall sing together g at the
time of [...] our harvests [...] sons of man. And among [the sons of] Adam
10 because [...] wonderful to the utmost. Blank [...] Blank u in [...] ... 72 [...]
>3 [■■•! they will love you for all days [...] 14 [...] I love you lavishly, with (my)
whole heart and with all (my) soul I purify [...] 75 [... not] to turn aside from
all that you have commanded. I have joined the Many [. . . so as not] 16 to desert
all your precepts. Blank
But I,
I have known, thanks to your intellect,
that it is not by a hand of flesh that the path of man [is straightened out,]
77 nor can a human being establish his steps.
I know that every spirit is fashioned by your hand,
18 [and all its travail] you have established
even before creating him.
How can anyone change your words?
You, you alone, have created the just man.
79 For him, from the womb, you determined the period of approval,
so that he will keep your covenant and walk on all (your paths),
20 to [empty] upon him your plentiful compassion,
to open all the narrowness of his soul to eternal salvation
and endless peace, without want.
27 Upon flesh you have raised his glory. Blank
But the wicked you have created for the time of wrath,
from the womb you have predestined them for the day of annihilation.
22 For they walk on paths that are not good,
they reject your covenant,
their soul loathes your decrees,
they take no pleasure in what you command,
2j instead they choose what you hate.
You have established all those [who hate your law]
to carry out great judgments against them
24 in the eyes of all your creatures,
so they will be a sign and an omen
[for] eternal [generations,]
so that all will know your glory
25 and your great might.
What, then, is flesh, to understand [your wonders?]
And how can dust direct its steps?
26 You have fashioned the spirit
and have organised its task.
From you comes the path of every living being.
324
POETIC TEXTS
iqH vii 27-vm 17
But I, I have known
27 that utter wealth cannot compare to your truth,
and I have [. . .] your holiness.
I know that you have chosen them above all
28 and they will serve you forever.
You do not take [gifts for evil deeds,]
or accept a bribe for wicked acts.
29 For you are God of truth
and you [destroy] all sin.
[...]
will no longer exist in your presence.
I know that [. . .] belongs to you
30 [...] ... [...] 31 your holiness [...] 32 because in [...]
Col. VIII (= XVI + frag. 13) /[...] all [. . .] 2 [. . .] admits into the number of 3 [.. .]
in heaven and on earth 4 | . . .] and in your hand is the judgment of all ,-[...] and
what he think of them? ... 6 [. . .] and nothing is done 7 [. . .] according to your
advice you visited them 8 [ . . . ] with ... g [...]... 10 for your spirit of hofliness
...] ... [...] and 11 your spirit of holiness 10 is unable to 11 [...] the fullness of
heaven and earth [...] your glory. The fullness [...]
72 I know that in your kindness towards man
you have multiplied [. . .]
your truth in all [...]
73 and the stance of justice [. . .]
which you have positioned over him [. . .]
to stumble in all [. . .]
14 Through my awareness of all this
my tongue will find a reply
to [. . .] my sin
to look for the spirit [. . .]
75 to be strengthened by the spirit of holiness,
to adhere to the truth of your covenant,
to serve you in truth, with a perfect heart,
to love your [will.]
7 6 Be blessed, Lord,
creator [of all things,]
[mighty] in acts,
everything is your work.
You have resolved, in fact, to take pity [on your servant,]
77 to show me favour by the spirit of your compassion
and by the splendour of your glory.
To you belongs justice
iqH viii 18-ix 7
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325
because you done all [this.]
18 And since I know that you have recorded the spirit of the just man,
I have chosen to purify my hands in accordance with your will
and your servant’s soul detests every work of sin.
1 g I know that no-one besides you is just.
I have appeased your face by the spirit which you have given me,
20 to lavish your favour on your servant for [ever,]
to purify me with your holy spirit,
to approach your will according to the extent of your kindnesses.
21 ...[...]
the stance of your will which you have chosen
for those who love you,
and for those who keep your precepfts ...]
22 in your presence for ever.
[May . . . not]
associate with the spirit of your servant
or with all their works for [ever!]
23 [■■•]
May no affliction [come] upon him
so he does not stumble on the precepts of your covenant!
For [...] glory.
24 And you, you are [a lenient] and compassionate [God,]
slow to anger, full of favour and of truth,
who forgives sin [. . .]
25 and has pity on the [evil of those who love you]
and keep your precepts,
those who turn to you with trust
and a perfect heart [. . .]
26 to serve you [and to do what] is good in your eyes.
Do not turn your face away from your servant,
[do not reject] the son of your maidservant!
[...]
27 [...]
And I, through your word I have approached
[...]
2S[...]
Col. ix (= 1) 1- 2 ... [. . .] 3 eternal [. . .] 4 in it, and the judgment [. . .] for [. . .] ...
5 source of po[wer . . .] great counsel [. . .] without number, and your zeal 6 be-
fore [...] long for (the) anger in the judgment [...] just in all your works.
7 In your wisdom you established] eternal [...];
before creating them you know all their deeds
326
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1QH IX 8- 19
8 for ever and ever. [. . .]
[Without you] nothing is done,
and nothing is known without your will.
9 You have fashioned every spirit
and [...]
and the judgment of all their deeds.
Blank
10 You have stretched out the heavens for your glory.
Everything [which it contains you have established] according to your approval:
powerful spirits, according to their laws,
11 before they changed into [holy] angels [in their residences,]
into eternal spirits in their realms,
the luminaries in their mysteries,
12 the stars in their circuits,
the stormy winds in their roles,
lightning and thunder in their duties
13 [you have established] the deposits of the computations in th[eir] purposes
[.. .] in their secrets.
Blank
You have created the earth with your strength,
14 seas and deeps [. . .]
you have founded them with your wisdom,
everything which is in them
is you have founded with your will.
[...]
so that the spirit of man rules over the world
16 for all days everlasting and unceasing generations,
so that [. . .] in their seasons.
You have shared out their tasks in all their generations
17 and the regulation at predetermined times
to ru[le. . .]
generation after generation
just like the visitation of this punishment
18 with all its agonies.
[...] you share it out
among all their descendants
according to the number of their eternal generations
ig for all the endless years.
[...]
And in the wisdom of your knowledge
you have determined their course
before they came to exist.
iqH ix 20-31
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327
20 And with [your approval] everything happens,
and without you nothing occurs.
Blank
21 These things I know' through your knowledge,
for you opened my ears to wondrous mysteries
although I am a creature of clay, fashioned with water,
2a foundation of shame, source of impurity,
oven of iniquity, building of sin,
spirit of mistake, astray, without knowledge,
23 terrified by your just judgments.
What will I be able to say which is not known?
What will I be able to declare which has not been told.
24 Everything has been engraved in your presence
with the stylus of remembrance
for all the incessant periods
in the eras of the number of everlasting years
in all their predetermined times,
and nothing will be hidden,
nothing will remain away from your presence.
25 How will a man count his sin?
How will he defend his infringements?
26 How w ill he answer every just judgment?
To you, God of knowledge,
belong all the works of justice
27 and the foundation of truth;
to the sons of man,
the service of sin and the deeds of deception.
Blank
28 You created breath on the tongue,
you know its words,
you instituted the fruits of lips,
before they came to be;
you placed a rhythm for words,
29 and a cadence to the puff of breath from the lips;
you make the rhythms emerge by their mysteries
and the puffs of breaths by their measures,
30 to declare your glory and tell your wonders,
in all the deeds of your truth and of your just judgments,
to praise your name through the mouth of all.
31 And they will know you by your intellect
and they will bless you for [everlasting] centuries.
Blank
3 28
POETIC TEXTS
iqH IX 32 -X 9
And you, in your compassion,
32 and in the vastness of your mercy,
have strengthened the spirit of man
before his miseries,
you have [...] him
you have purified him from abundant evil
33 so that he can tell your wonders before all your works.
Blank
[...]
the judgments which torment me,
34 and to the sons of man, all the wonders
which you have achieved [...]
Blank
35 Listen, wise men,
and you, meditating with knowledge,
and (you) cowards,
be of staunch purpose!
[...] increase caution!
36 Just men, finish with injustice!
And all of you, of perfect way,
strengthen [...] the poor!
37 Be slow to anger,
and do not spurn [...]
his heart does not understand these matters
38 Blank
[••■]
3g [and the brujtal will grind their tee[th ...]
Col. x (= 11) 1-2 [. . .] ... [. ..] 3 [...] all the deeds of wickedness [. . .] 4 [...] ... [.. .]
[of truth] /of justice/ in all [. . .] 5" [■■■] overwhelmed [...] those who announce
joy to the mourner, the [...] 6 [...,] to all destruction [. . .] the strong, to mollify
my heart, the dynamic, 7 before the [calamity.
But you give the tongue’s reply
to my uncircumcised lips,
you support my soul
strengthening my kidneys
8 and increasing strength;
you guide my steps on the frontier of evil.
I am a trap for offenders,
9 medicine for everyone who turns away from sin,
discretion for simple folk,
staunch purpose for the timorous at heart.
iqH x 10-23
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329
10 You have set me as a reproach and a mockery of traitors,
foundation of truth and of knowledge
for those on the straight path. Blank
On account of the offence of the wicked
nl have been the target of slander in the mouth of violent men,
and the scoffers grind their teeth.
You have made me into a laughing-stock for sinners,
12 the assembly of the wicked is roused against me,
they roar like the turbulence of the seas
when their waves beat
ij and spew out ash and mud.
But you have set me like a flag
for the elect of justice,
like a wise sower of secret wonders. Blank
14 To put to the test [all the men of] truth,
to refine those who love learning.
To those who spread fallacies I am a man of dissent,
is [but a man of peace] to all true observers.
I have turned into an ardent spirit
against all the interpreters of flat[tering] things.
16 [All] arrogant men mutter against me
like the mighty din of turbulent water;
[all] their thoughts are devilish schemes.
// They throw the life of a man into the ditch
the one whom you established through my mouth
and to whom you have imparted knowledge.
18 In his heart you have put the opening of the source of wisdom
for all those w'ho understand.
But they have changed them
ig by uncircumcised lip and weird tongue
into a people without understanding,
and so they go astray in their delusions. Blank
20 Blank
I give you thanks. Lord,
because you put me in the bag of life
21 and have protected me from all the traps of the pit,
for vicious men have ambushed my soul
22 when I relied on your covenant.
They are a council of futility,
a devilish assembly.
They do not know that through you I subsist
2j and in your compassion you have saved my life,
33°
POETIC TEXTS
|
iQH x 24-35
because from you come my steps.
They -they attack my life on your account,
24 so that you will be honoured by the judgment of the wicked,
and you will make yourself great through me
before the sons of man
25 because through your compassion I do subsist.
I have said:
heroes have set up camp against me
surrounded by all their weapons of war;
26 they loose off arrows without any cure;
the tip of the spear, like fire which consumes trees.
27 Like the crash of turbulent water
is the roar of their voices,
like a hurricane storm
which destroys many.
Right up to the stars
28 burst emptiness and nothing
when their waves heave upwards.
But you, when my heart turned to water
confirmed my soul in your covenant.
29 And the net which they spread for me
has entangled their feet,
in the trap they set for my life
they have fallen.
«My foot remains on the right path,
30 in his assembly I shall bless your Name».
Blank
31 I give you thanks, Lord,
for your eye [keeps watch] over me.
You have freed me from the zeal of the sowers of deceit,
32 from the congregation of the interpreters of flattering things.
You have freed the life of the poor person
which they thought to finish off,
pouring out his blood while he was at your service.
33 But they did not know
that my steps come from you.
They have put me as a mockery and a reproof
34 in the mouth of all the interpreters of trickery. Blank
But you, my God,
have freed the soul of the poor and needy
35 from the hand of someone stronger than him;
from the hand of the powerful you have saved my soul.
iqH x 36-xi 13
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331
and at their taunts you have not let me lose heart
36 so as to desert serving you
from fear of destruction by the wicked
and exchange a firm purpose for follies
37 which [...]
the edicts, and by witness given to their ears
to all their descendants
39 [•■•]
among your followers.
Col. xi (= hi + frag. 25) 1-2 [. . .] ... [. . .] 3 [. . .] you have made my face shine [. . .]
4 [...] to you, with everlasting glory, together with all [...] 5 [...] your mouth,
and you have freed me from [...] and from [...]
6 Blank Now, my soul [. . .]
they have counted me, and have put the soul
like a boat in the depths [of the sea],
7 like a besieged city positioned opposite [its enemies],
I was in distress
like a woman giving birth the first time
when her birth-pangs come on her
8 and a pain racks her womb
to begin the birth in the «crucible» of the pregnant woman.
Since sons reach the frontiers of death
9 and the woman expectant with a man is racked by her pains,
for from the shores of death
she gives birth to a male,
and there emerges from the pains of Sheol,
70 from the «crucible» of the pregnant woman
a splendid counsellor with his strength,
and the man is freed from the womb.
Into the woman expectant with him rush all the spasms
11 and the wrenching pains of his birth;
terror (seizes) those giving birth,
and at his birth all the pains come suddenly,
12 on the «crucible» of the pregnant woman.
And she who is pregnant by the serpent
is with a wrenching pain;
and the edge of the pit
is with all the deeds of terror.
13 The foundations of the wall shake
like a ship on the surface of the sea,
332
POETIC TEXTS
iqH xi 14-24
and the clouds echo with the uproar.
And both he who lives in the dust
14 and he who sails upon the sea
are terrified by the din of the water.
For them their wise men are like sailors on the deeps,
15 for all their wisdom is perplexed
by the roar of the sea,
by the welling up of the deeps
upon the springs of water;
[they churn] to form huge waves,
16 the gates of the water, with clamorous sound.
And when they are wild, [Sheol and Abaddon] open;
all the arrows of the pit
17 make their voice heard while going down to the abyss;
the gates of [. . .] open
[...] the deeds of the serpent.
18 And the gates of the pit close
upon the woman expectant with wickedness,
and the everlasting bolts
upon all the spirits of the serpent. Blank
ig Blank I thank you, Lord,
because you saved my life from the pit,
and from Sheol and Abaddon you have lifted me up
20 to an everlasting height,
so that I can walk on a boundless plain.
And I know that there is hope
21 for someone you fashioned out of clay
to be an everlasting community.
The corrupt spirit you have purified
from the great sin
so that he can take his place
22 with the host of the holy ones,
and can enter in communion
with the congregation of the sons of heaven.
You cast eternal destiny for man
with the spirits of knowledge,
23 so that he praises your name together in celebration,
and tells of your wonders before all your works.
And I, a creature of clay,
24 what am I?
Mixed with water, with whom shall I be counted?
What is my strength?
iQH xi 25-37
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333
For I find myself at the boundary of wickedness
25 and with those doomed by lot.
The soul of the poor person lived amongst great turmoil,
and the calamities of hardship are with my footsteps.
26 When the traps of the pit open
all the snares of wickedness are spread
and the nets of the doomed are upon the surface of the sea.
27 When all the arrows of the pit fly without return
they hit without hope.
When the measuring line for judgment fails,
and the lot of anger against the forsaken
28 and the outburst of wrath against the hypocrites,
and the period of anger against Belial,
and the ropes of death approach with no escape,
29 then the torrents of Belial will overflow their high banks
like a fire which devours all those drawing water (?)
destroying every tree, green or dry, from its canals.
30 He revolves like flames of fire
until none of those who drink are left.
He consumes the foundations of clay
ji and the tract of dry land;
the bases of the mountains does he burn
and converts the roots of flint rock
into streams of lava.
It consumes right to the great deep.
32 The torrents of Belial burst into Abaddon.
The schemers of the deep howl with the din
of those extracting mud.
33 The earth cries out at the calamity with overtakes the world,
and all its schemers scream,
and all who are upon it go crazy,
34 and melt away in the great calamity.
For God thunders with the thunder of his great strength,
and his holy residence echoes with the truth of his glory,
35 and the host of the heavens adds its noise,
and the eternal foundations melt and shake,
and the battle of heavenly heroes spans the globe,
36 and does not return until it has terminated
the destruction decided forever.
There is nothing like it. Blank
J7 Blank
I give you thanks, Lord,
334
POETIC TEXTS
1QH XI 38-xn 15
for you are a massive rampart for me
38 [. . .] against destroyers and against all [. . .] 3g [. . .] you hide me from the calami-
ties of the commotion [...] 40 [...] steel bars they shall not enter [...] 41 [...]
around it, unless ... [...]
Col. xii (= iv + frag. 43) 1-2 [...]... [...] 3 [...] my foot upon the rock [...] 4 [...]
eternal path, and /on/ the tracks which you have chosen [. . .] 5 Blank
I give you thanks, Lord,
because you have brightened my face with your covenant
6 and [. . .] I have looked for you.
Like perfect dawn you have revealed yourself to me with your light.
But (to) them, your people,
7 [interpreters of deceit, with their wo]rds they lure them,
sowers of fraud [misdirect them]
and make them fall without them being aware.
8 For in folly they carry out their deeds.
Because I have been an object of ridicule for them,
and they do not esteem me
when you make yourself great through me.
For they evict me from my land
9 like a bird from the nest;
all my friends and my acquaintances have been taken away from me,
and rank me like a broken jug.
But they are sowers of deceit
10 and seers of fraud,
they have plotted evil against me {...}
to alter your Law, which you engraved in my heart,
by flattering teachings for your people;
11 they have denied the drink of knowledge to the thirsty,
in their thirst they have given them vinegar to drink
to consider their mistake,
12 so they may act like fools in their feasts
so they will be caught in their nets.
But you, O God, abhor all the scheming of Belial
13 and your counsel remains,
and the plan of your heart persists endlessly.
But they, hypocrites, plot intrigues of Belial,
14 they look for you with a double heart,
and are not firmly based in your truth.
There is in their thoughts a root which produces poison and wormwood,
15 with stubbornness of heart they inquire,
they look for you among the idols,
iqH xii 16-27
THE HYMNS
335
place in front of themselves the stumbling-block of their offences,
16 they go to look for you in the mouth of prophets of deceit
attracted by delusion.
They speak to your people with stuttering lip and weird tongue
17 to convert to folly all their deeds with tricks.
For they have not chosen the path of your heart
nor have they listened to your word.
18 They said of the vision of knowledge: It is not certain!
and of the path of your heart: It is not that!
But you, O God, will answer them, judging them with your power
19 according to their idols and their numerous sins,
so that in their schemes are caught
those who deviate from your covenant.
20 At the judgment you will annihilate all the men of deception,
there will no longer exist seers of delusion.
For there is no folly in all your acts,
21 and there is no deception in the intentions of your heart.
Those in harmony with you,
will persist in your presence always;
those who walk on the path of your heart,
22 will be established permanently.
And I, when I lean on you,
I remain resolute and rise above those who scorn me,
and my hands succeed against all those who mock me;
23 for they do not value me,
even though you exhibit your power in me
and reveal yourself in me with your strength to enlighten them.
You have not covered in disgrace
24 the face of all those looking for me,
those who unite /together/ for your covenant.
Those who walk on the path of your heart have listened to me,
25 they have aligned themselves with you in the council of the holy ones.
You will make his right triumph,
and truth through justice.
You will not mislead them at the hand of the doomed
2b as they have schemed against them;
instead you will put their fear into your people
and the scattering of all the peoples of the lands,
to destroy, at the judgment, all who violate your word.
27 Through me you have enlightened the face of the Many,
you have increased them, even making them uncountable,
for you have shown me your wondrous mysteries.
336
POETIC TEXTS
iqH xii 28-40
28 By your wondrous advice you have strengthened my position
and worked wonders in the presence of the Many
on account of your glory,
29 and to show your power to all living things.
What is flesh compared to this?
What creature of clay can do wonders?
He is in sin from his maternal womb,
30 and in guilty iniquity right to old age.
But I know that justice does not belong to man
nor the perfect path to the son of man.
31 To God Most High belong all the acts of justice,
and the path of man is not secure
except by the spirit which God creates for him
32 to perfect the path of the sons of man
so that all his creatures come to know the strength of his power
and the extent of his compassion
with all the sons of his approval.
S3 And dread and dismay have gripped me,
all my /bones/ have fractured,
mv heart has melted like wax in front of the fire,
my knees give way like water which flows down a slope,
34 for I have remembered my faults
with the disloyalty of my ancestors,
when the wicked rose up against your covenant
33 and the doomed against your word -
I said «For my sin I have been barred from your covenant*.
But when I remembered the strength of your hand
36 and the abundance of your compassion
I remained resolute and stood up;
my spirit kept firmly in place
in the face of my distress.
37 For you have supported me by your kindnesses
and by your abundant compassion.
Because you atone for sin
and clefanse man] of his fault through your justice.
38 It is not possible for man [. . .]
you made [. . .].
For you created the just and the wicked
[...]
j9 [...] I will tie myself to your covenant until [...]
40 [...] for you are the truth
and all [your deeds] are justice.
iqH xiii 1-16
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337
Col. xiii (= v + frag. 29) 7 on the day of a people [...] 2 your pardons and the
great number of [your (acts of) compassion ...] 3 And when I knew this I
gained comfort [. . .] 4 by your approval, and in your hand is the judgment of
all. Blank
5 I give you thanks, Lord,
because you did not desert me when I stayed among a [foreign] people [. . .]
6 [and did not] judge me on my fault,
nor did you abandon me to the plottings of my desire
but you saved my life from the pit.
You put [the soul of the poor and wretched]
7 right among lions,
intended for the sons of guilt,
lions which grind the bones of strong men,
and drink the blood of champions.
8 You made my lodging with many fishermen,
those who spread the net upon the surface of the sea,
those who go hunting the sons of iniquity.
And there you established me for the judgment,
g and strengthened in my heart the foundation of truth.
The covenant, therefore, for those looking for it.
You closed the mouth of the lion cubs,
70 whose teeth are like a sword,
w hose molars are like a sharpened spear,
they are vipers’ venom,
all their scheming is to lay waste.
11 They lay in wait for me, but did not open their mouths against me.
For you, my God, hid me from the sons of man,
concealed your law in me,
72 until the moment of revealing your salvation through me.
For in the distress of my soul you heard my call,
7 3 you identified the outcry of my pain in my complaint
and saved the soul of the poor man in the lair of lions,
who sharpen their tongue like swords.
14 And you, my God, you closed {their tongue} their teeth
so they would not rip up {my} the soul of the poor and wretched;
75 their tongue has been drawn in like a sword into the scabbard,
so that it would not [destroy] the soul of your servant.
And to show your greatness /through me/ before the sons of man,
76 you did wonders with the poor,
you placed him like gold in the crucible,
under the effect of fire
like purified silver in the furnace of the jeweller
338
POETIC TEXTS
iqH xiii 17-28
to be refined seven times.
17 The powerful wicked hustle me with their harassment,
and the whole day they crush my soul. Blank
iS But you, my God, have changed {my soul} the storm to a calm
and have freed the soul of the poor
like [...]
ig from the power of the lions. Blank
Blank
20 {I give you thanks} /Be blessed/ Lord,
because you did not desert the orphan
nor have you slighted the wretch.
For your might [is unfathomable]
21 and your glory measureless.
Wonderful heroes are your attendants,
and a people of simple folk is in the mud before your feet;
[You have performed wonderfully] with those apprehensive of justice,
22 to raise from the uproar
the community of all {the faithful} the poor of compassion.
But I have been the target of sl[ander for my rivals,]
23 cause for quarrel and argument to my neighbours,
for jealousy and anger to those who have joined my covenant,
for challenge and grumbling to all my followers.
[Even all those who e]at my bread
24 have raised their heel against me;
they have mocked me with a wicked tongue
all those who had joined my council;
the men of [my congregation] are stubborn,
25 and mutter round about.
And with the mystery which you have concealed in me
they go slandering towards the sons of destruction.
But to sh[ow my p]ath
26 and because of their guilt
you have concealed the source of knowledge
and the foundation of truth.
They plot evil in their heart,
[men of] Belial have opened a lying tongue,
27 like vipers’ venom which stretches for periods
like those who throw themselves in the dust they cast a spell,
serpent’s venom, against which there is no incantation.
28 They have become incurable pain,
a wasting disease in the innards of your servant,
which makes [the spirit] stagger
iqH xiii 29-39
THE HYMNS
339
29 and makes an end of strength,
so that he is unable to remain in his place.
They have overtaken me in narrow places where there is no escape,
though not dividing the grojups.
30 They announce the charge against me with the harp,
their grumblings with verses in harmony,
with demolition and destruction.
Resentment has taken hold of me
and torments like the pangs of giving birth.
31 My heart is in turmoil within me.
I have dressed in black
and my tongue sticks to my palate,
because they surround me with shame of their heart;
32 their intention is obvious to me in bitterness.
The light of my face has become gloomy with deep darkness,
my radiance has changed into gloom. Blank
And you, my God,
33 have opened a broad space in my heart
but they have increased the narrowness
and have wrapped me in darkness.
I have eaten the bread of weeping,
34 my drink is tears without end.
For my eyes are blinded by the grief
and my soul by the bitterness of the day.
[Agony] and pain surround me,
35 shame covers my face,
my bread has turned into quarrel
and my drink into argument,
they have entered my bones
36 to make my spirit stagger
and make an end of strength
in accordance with the mysteries of sin
which, by their evil, have altered the deeds of God.
For I have been tied with ropes
37 which could not be untied,
with chains which could not be broken;
a [strong] rampart [surrounds me,]
iron bars and [bronze] doors [imprison me]
38 [my gaol] is tied to the deep
without there being [a chance of escape ...]
39 [•••]
[...] of Belial surround my soul [...]
34°
POETIC TEXTS
iqH xiv 1-14
Col. xiv (= vi + frag. 26) 1 ... [...] 2 my heart in scorn [...] j and misfortune
without limit and destruction without [end ...]
4 [But you, my God,]
have opened my ears [to the instruction]
of those who judge with justice
[•••]
5 of the assembly of futility and of the council of violence.
You have brought me into the council of [. . .]
[. . .] blame.
6 And I know that there is hope for whoever is converted from wickedness
and relinquishes sin [. . .]
7 to walk on the path of your heart,
without injustice.
I will take comfort above the noise of the people
and the uproar of kingdoms,
when they join together [against me.]
8 [I know] that shortly you will raise
a survivor among your people,
a remnant in your inheritance.
You will purify them to cleanse them of guilt. Blank
g For all your deeds are in truth
and with mercy you judge them
with great compassion and plentiful forgiveness.
According to your mouth you teach them,
10 and according to the correctness of your truth,
to establish them in your council for your glory.
For your own sake have you done (it),
to enhance the law,
[...]
11 the men of your council amongst the sons of man,
to tell everlasting generations your wonders,
and your exploits they will contemplate unceasingly.
12 All the nations will know your truth
and all the peoples your glory.
For you have brought [your truth and your] glory
ij to all the men of your council
and in the lot, together with the angels of the face,
without there being an mediator
between the intelligent and your holy ones.
>4[...]
They will return under your glorious commands,
your princes will be in the lot of [your holy ones.]
iqH xiv 15-26
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341
15 [Their root] will sprout like a flower [of the field] for ever,
to make a shoot grow
in branches of the everlasting plantation
so that it covers all the world with its shade,
16 [and its tip reaches] up to the skies,
and its roots down to the abyss.
All the streams of Eden [will make] its branches [grow]
and it will be [a huge tree without] limits;
17 the glory of the wood will be over the whole world, endless,
and [deep] as down to Sheol [its roots.]
The source of light will be an eternal spring, inexhaustible,
18 in its shining flames
all the sons [of iniquity] will burn
[and it will be turned] into a searing fire
of all the men of guilt
lg until destruction.
But those, followers of my testimony,
have allowed themselves to be enticed by those spreading lies]
[and they have discontinued] in the service of justice,
20 even though you, God, commanded them to seek fortune far from their paths,
[walking] on your holy path,
on which the uncircumcised, the unclean, the vicious,
21 do not travel.
They have staggered off the path of your heart
and in [boundless] misfortune they languish.
Belial is the counsellor of their heart,
22 and following the schemes of iniquity
they wallow in guilt.
[I am] like a sailor in a ship
23 in the raging sea,
its waves and torrents roar over me,
a whirlwind [without a] lull for taking breath,
24 without tracks which direct the path over the surface of the sea.
The deep thunders at my sigh,
[my soul nears] the gates of death.
25 I am like someone entering a fortified city,
and looking for shelter in the rampart until salvation.
My God, I lean on your truth,
26 for you place the foundation upon rock,
and the beams to the correct size,
and the plumb line [. . .]
tested stone for a strong building
342
POETIC TEXTS
iqH xiv 27-xv 3
27 which will not shake.
All those who enter there will not stagger,
for a foreigner will not penetrate it;
its gates are armoured gates
28 which do not permit entry;
the locks are massive,
and cannot be broken.
No band at all with its weapons of war will enter,
even though it is loaded [with weapons]
29 of the wicked battle.
Then the sword of God will pounce
in the era of judgment,
and all the sons of his truth will awaken,
30 to destroy wickedness,
and all the sons of blame will no longer exist.
The hero will bend his bow
and break the encirclement
31 to an endless broad place.
(He will open) the everlasting gates
to take out weapons of war,
and they will rule from one end to the other.
32 There will be no salvation for guilty inclination,
it will be trampled to destruction
without there being a remnant.
There is no hope in the profusion [of their weapons,]
33 nor for all the heroes of war will there be shelter. Blank
For to God Most High [the battle belongs]
[...]
34 Those who lie in the dust will hoist the flag,
and the worms of the dead will raise the banner
for [...]
33 in the battles of the insolent.
He will make an overwhelming whiplash pass,
but it will not invade the fortress.
[...]
36 [...] for plaster, and the beams for [...] 37 of ... [...38 the truth ... [...]
Col. xv (= vii) 1 [...] I remain silent [...]
2 [...] my arm is broken at the elbow,
my feet sink in the mud,
my eyes are blind from having seen evil,
3 my ears, through hearing the shedding of blood,
iqH xv 3-18
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343
my heart is horrified at wicked schemes,
for Belial is present when the inclination of their being becomes apparent.
4 The foundations of my building have crumbled,
my bones have been disjointed,
my entrails heave like a boat in the rage of the storm,
5 my heart pulsates to destruction,
a whirlwind overwhelms me,
due to the wickedness of their sin. Blank
6 Blank
I give you thanks, Lord,
because you have sustained me with your strength,
7 you have spread your holy spirit over me so that I will not stumble,
you have fortified me against the wars of wickedness,
8 and in all their calamities you have not discouraged (me) from your covenant.
You placed me like a sturdy tower,
like a high wall,
you founded my building upon rock,
g and everlasting foundations as my base,
all my walls are like a tested wall
which will not shake.
jo And you, my God, you have placed me for the downtrodden
as your holy council;
you have established me in your covenant
and my tongue is like your disciples.
11 But there is no word for the spirit of destruction,
nor is there a reply in the tongue of all the sons of guilt,
for deceitful lips will be silent.
j2 For, at the judgment you pronounce as guilty all those who harass me,
separating the just from the wicked through me.
13 For you know the inclination of every creature,
and scrutinise every reply of the tongue.
14 You establish my heart with your disciples and in your truth,
to straighten my steps on the paths of justice,
to walk in your presence on the frontier of life
13 along tracks of glory {and life} and peace without [end]
[which will nejver stop.
16 And you, you know the inclination of your servant,
that I [...] not [...]
17 uplifting the heart and seeking shelter in strength;
I do not have the defences of flesh,
[. . .] there is no justice,
1 8 to be saved [from sin, except] through forgiveness.
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POETIC TEXTS
iqH xv 19-31
And I lean on [. . .]
[...] and hope in your kindness,
to make salvation thrive,
19 and make the shoot grow;
to seek refuge in strength
and [. . .] in your justice.
You have established me in your covenant
20 and I have clung to your truth,
and [. . .]
You have made me like a father for the sons of favour,
21 like a wet-nurse to the men of portent;
they open their mouth like a child [on the breast of its mother,]
like a suckling child in the lap of its wet-nurse.
22 You have exalted my horn above all those who denounce me,
[you have scattered] those who fight me,
23 and those who bring a complaint, like straw in the wind,
and those who dominate me [...]
You have saved my life,
and lifted my horn to the heights.
24 I am radiant with sevenfold light,
in the light prepared for your glory,
25 for you are my everlasting luminary,
and have established my foot on the right path. Blank
26 Blank
I give you [thanks, Lord,]
because you have taught me your truth,
27 you have made me know your wonderful mysteries,
your kindness with [sinful] men,
your bountiful compassion with the depraved of heart.
28 Who is like you. Lord, among the gods?
Who is like your truth?
Who, before you, is just when judged?
29 No spirit /host/ can reply to your reproach,
no-one can stand up against your anger.
30 All the sons of your truth
/you take/ to forgiveness in your presence,
you purify them from their sins
by the greatness of your goodness,
and in your bountiful mercy,
31 to make them stand in your presence,
for ever and ever. Blank
For you are an eternal God
iqH xv 32-xvi 12
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345
and all your paths remain from eternity to eternity.
32 And there is no-one apart from you.
What is empty man, owner of futility,
to understand your [great] wondrous deeds?
33 Blank
34 [I give you thanks,] Lord,
because you did not /make/ my lot /fall/ in the congregation of falsehood,
nor have you placed my regulation in the counsel of hypocrites,
35 [but you have led me] to your favour and your forgiveness,
[...]
and in your bountiful mercy,
to all the judgments of [. . .]
36 [...] depravity, and in the regulation
Col. xvi (= vm) 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] your justice is constant for ever, because
[...] not [...] 3 [•••] ••• Blank
4 [I give you thanks, Lord,]
because you have set me in the source of streams in a dry land,
in the spring of water in a parched land,
5 in the canals which water a garden [of delights in the middle of the desert,]
[so that] a plantation of cypresses and elms [may grow,]
together with cedars, for your glory.
6 Trees of life in the secret source,
hidden among the trees of water.
They must make a shoot grow
in the everlasting plantation,
7 to take root before it grows.
Its roots reach as far as the gully,
and its trunk opens to the living waters
8 to be an everlasting spring.
On its buds all [the animals] of the wood will feed,
its trunk will be pasture for all who cross the path,
9 and its leaves for all winged birds.
Above it will rise all the trees of water
for they will grow in its plantation
jo although its roots do not reach the stream.
However, he who causes the holy shoot to grow in the true plantation
hides and seals its secret
77 so it will not be noticed or known. Blank
But you, O God,
you protect your fruit with the mystery of powerful heroes,
72 of spirits of holiness.
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POETIC TEXTS
iqH xvi 13-26
so that the flame of the searing fire
[will] not [reach] the spring of life,
nor with the everlasting trees
13 will it drink the waters of holiness,
nor produce its fruit with [the help] of the clouds.
For it sees, but does not know,
14 notices, but does not believe,
in the spring of life,
and gives eternal | . . .]
But I had become the mockery of the raging torrents
15 which throw their mire over me. Blank
16 But you, my God,
you have placed in my mouth as it were early rain for all [. . .]
spring of living water;
17 the skies will not cease to open,
they will not stop,
but will become a torrent overflowing [into every river]
and into the seas, without end.
18 They will swell suddenly from secret hiding-places,
[...]
they will serve to water [every tree,] green and dry,
ig a marsh for every animal.
The [wicked] trees [will sink] like lead in powerful waters,
20 [they will all be victims] of fire and dry up.
But the plantation of fruit [. . .]
eternal [ . . .] for the glorious garden
and will [bear fruit always.]
21 By my hand you have opened their spring with channels [of water]
[putting them in] straight] lines, correctly
22 the planting of their trees with the plumb-line of the sun,
so that [...] with foliage of glory.
When I stretch my hand to dig out its ditches,
23 its roots pierce the rock of silex,
[its stems sink] into the earth,
and in the time of heat it retains its vitality.
24 But if I remove my hand
it will be like the aca[cia in the desert,]
its stump like nettles in salt flats,
25 its furrows will make thorns and reeds grow,
brambles and thistles [. . .]
[the trees] of its banks will turn into sour vines;
26 in the heat its leaves rot.
iqH xvi 27-xvn 2
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347
they do not open in the rain.
[My] residence is with the sick,
my heart knows diseases,
27 and I am like a forsaken man in [pain,]
there is no refuge for me.
For my disease increases in bitterness,
28 in incurable pain which does not stop,
[. . .] over me like those who go down to Sheol,
29 and with the dead my spirit hides,
because my life has gone down to the pit.
[Within me] my soul languishes day and night,
jo without rest.
And grows like a searing fire enclosed in my [bones]
whose flame consumes as far as the seas,
31 devouring strength by periods,
destroying the flesh by seasons,
the waves rush against me.
32 My soul within me has weakened right to destruction,
for vitality leaves my body,
my heart pours out like water,
33 my flesh melts like wax,
the vitality of my loins has turned into listlessness,
my arm is broken at the elbow
without my being able to wave my hand,
34 my foot has been caught in the snare,
my knees slide like water,
and it is impossible to move one step forward
nor are there footfalls to the tread of my feet,
35 [■••]
in chains which cause stumbling.
You have made the tongue in my mouth strong,
it cannot hold back;
36 it is impossible [for me] to raise my voice
[with the tongue of] instruction
to give life to the spirit of those who stagger.
The voice of my lips is silent.
3/ [. . .] with chains of judgment [. . .] my heart [.. .] in bitterness [. . .] [...] to the
sea [. . .] the circuit of the globe J9 [...] have been silenced like nothing 40 [.. .]
man not
Col. xvii (= ix) ?[...]... [...]
2 [. . .] my eye does not sleep at night [. . .]
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POETIC TEXTS
iqH xvii 3-16
j [ . . . ] without compassion. In anger his zeal is aroused, and for destruction [ . . . ]
4 The waves of death [surround me,]
Sheol is upon my bed,
my couch drones a lament,
my bed, a sighing sound;
5 my eyes are like the smoke in an oven,
my tears, like streams of water,
my eyes are worn out by rest,
[my strength] is kept far away from me,
6 and my life at a distance.
As for me,
from ruin to annihilation,
from sickness to disease,
from pains to tortures,
7 my soul reflects on your wonders;
you, in your favour, have not rejected me,
8 from one moment to the next my soul delights
in your bountiful mercy,
and I can give a reply to whoever wishes to devour me
9 and a rebuke to someone who envies me.
I have pronounced his trial as wicked,
but your judgment I have pronounced just.
10 For I have admitted your truth.
I have chosen my judgment,
I have been pleased with my ordeal,
because I hoped for your favour.
11 You have placed a plea in the mouth of your servant,
you have not threatened my life,
nor have you removed my peace,
nor have you deserted my expectation;
12 rather, in the face of the ordeal you have upheld my spirit,
you know my intentions,
13 in my troubles you comfort me.
I delight in forgiveness,
I console myself for former sin.
14 I know that there is hope, thanks to your kindness,
and trust, through the fullness of your strength,
for no-one is pronounced just in your judgment,
15 or innofcent] at your trial;
one man is more just than another man,
a fellow is wiser [than a fellow,]
16 the flesh is respected more than one made from [clay,]
iqH xvii 17-32
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one spirit is more powerful than another spirit;
but before your might, nothing is strong,
17 and nothing is [comparable] to your glory,
and to your wisdom there is no measure,
and your faithfulness has no end;]
18 to everything which is excluded from it
[. . .] Blank
But in you I [...]
lg my position and not [. . .] 20 when against me they devise [. . .] for shame of face
21 to me, but you [...] my enemy grows great against me to make me fall [...]
22 men of war [...] confusion of face and shame for those who plot against me.
Blank
23 For you, my God, [...]
you argue my case.
For in the mystery of your wisdom
you have rebuked me,
24 you have hidden the truth a while,
[your favour, until] the ordained time.
Your rebuke has been changed into happiness and joy for me,
24 my disease into everlasting healing and unending [bliss,]
the scoffing of my rival into a crown of glory for me,
and my weakness into everlasting strength.
26 For, by your name [you created light for me,]
and through your glory, my light becomes visible,
for from darkness you make my light shine,
27 to [change] my bruises [to everlasting happiness,]
my weakness to wonderful force,
28 the constriction of my soul to everlasting expanse.
[For you, my God, you are] my refuge,
my protection, the rock of my strength, my fortress.
29 In you I will be guarded from every [foe,]
[you will be] salvation for me unto eternity. Blank
For you have known me since my father,
jo from the vitals [you have established me,]
[from the womb of] my mother you have filled me,
from the breasts of her who conceived me
your compassion has always been upon me,
31 from the lap of my wet-nurse [you have looked after me,]
from my youth you have shown yourself to me in the intelligence of your judg-
ment,
32 and with certain truth you have supported me.
You have delighted me with your holy spirit,
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POETIC TEXTS
1QH XVII 33
XVIII 10
and until this very day you have guided me.
33 Your just reproach escorts my path,
your peace watches over the salvation of my soul,
with my steps there is bountiful forgiveness
34 and great compassion when you judge me,
until old age you support me.
33 For my mother did not know me,
and my father abandoned me to you.
Because you are father to all the sons of your truth.
36 In them you rejoice,
like one full of gentleness for her child,
and like a wet-nurse,
you clutch to your chest all your creatures. Blank
37 Blank
38 [...] you have enlarged without number 39 [. . .] your name for doing wonders
40 [...] thinking [...] 41 [...] ... [...]
Col. xviii (= x + 30) 1 [...] the plan of your heart [...]
2 And without your will they shall not be.
And no-one understands all your wisdom,
3 and your wonders, no-one contemplates them.
What, then, is man?
He is nothing but earth.
4 From clay is he fashioned
and to dust he must return.
But you teach him about wonders like these
and make him know the foundations of your truth.
3 I am dust and ashes,
what can I plan if you do not wish it?
what can I devise without your agreement?
6 How can I be strong if you do not make me stand?
How can I be learned if you do not mould me?
7 What can I say if you do not open my mouth?
And how can I answer if you do not give me insight?
8 See, you are prince of gods and king of the glorious ones,
lord of every spirit, owner of every creature.
9 Without your will nothing happens,
and nothing is known without your wish.
There is no-one besides you,
10 no-one matches your strength,
nothing, in contrast with your glory,
there is no price on your might.
iqH xviii 11-27
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11 And who among all your wonderful great works
will have the strength to stand before your glory?
12 And what, then, is someone who returns to dust
to retain strength?
Only for your glory have you done all this.
13 Blank
14 Be blessed, Lord,
God of compassion and of abundant favour,
because you have made me know these things
so that I recount your marvels,
75 and I do not keep silent day and night.
[...]
To you all power [. . .]
16 by your pity in your great goodness
and in the abundance of [your compassion ...]
I will delight in your forgiveness ...]
77 for I have leaned on your truth,
[■■■]
18 your position, and there is no [...]
without your threat there is no fall,
7 9 nor is there disease that you do not know.
[. . .] Blank
20 And I, in accordance with what I know of your truth,
[extol your great name,]
in contemplating your glory
21 1 recount your wonders,
on understanding [your secrets
I trust in the] abundance of your compassion
and hope in your forgiveness.
22 Because you have fashioned my sp[irit,]
you have established me in accordance with your approval.
You have not placed my support in robbery,
23 nor in wealth [have you anchored my heajrt,
nor have you put, as my refuge, one fashioned from flesh.
24 The strength of heroes lies in abundant gratification,
[their might, in abund]ant grain, wine, oil;
25 they take pride in their belongings and possessions,
[they grow like] verdant [trees] in the streams of water
to produce branches and increase leaves,
for they select [the best of the sons of ] man
for all to grow fat from the earth.
27 But to the sons of your truth
352
POETIC TEXTS
iqH xviii 39-xix 5
you have given intelligence,
[so that they know you for ever] and ever;
and to the extent of their knowledge they are honoured,
28 the one more than the other.
And so for the son of man
[...]
you have increased his legacy
29 in the knowledge of your truth,
and according to his insight and corresponding to his understanding
[he will be glorified.]
The soul of your servant loathes wealth and robbery,
30 and is not pleased with the glorification of pleasures.
My heart rejoices in your covenant
31 and your truth delights my soul.
I flourish like an iris,
my heart opens to an everlasting spring,
32 my support is in an elevated refuge.
[...] grief,
and wilts like a flower in the heat.
33 My heart flutters in anxiety,
my kidneys in alarm,
my sigh reaches down to the abyss,
34 even pierces the caverns of Sheol.
I am appalled to hear your verdict against the powerful heroes,
35 your trial against the host of your holy ones.
[...]
36 your judgment against all your works,
justice and [...]
37 -39 [■•■]
Col. xix (= xi) 1 [. . .] in terror [. . . the grief has not been] hidden from my eyes,
and the sorfrow ...] 2 in the meditation of my heart. Blank
3 I give you thanks, my God,
because you have done wonders with dust;
with the creature of mud you have acted
in an immeasureably /very/ powerful way.
And I, what am I?
4 For you have taught me the basis of your truth,
you have instructed me in your wonderful works.
You have put thanksgiving into my mouth,
praises on my tongue,
5 my uncircumcised iips in a place of jubilation.
iqH xix 6- 19
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353
I will chant your kindness,
I will ponder your might the whole day,
6 I will bless your name continually,
I will declare your glory among the sons of man,
7 and in your abundant goodness my soul will delight.
I know that truth is in your mouth,
and justice in your hand,
8 and in your thoughts, all learning,
and all glory is with you,
and in your wrath all punishing judgment,
g and in your goodness, abundance of forgiveness,
and your compassion for all the sons of your approval.
For you have taught them the basis of your truth,
10 and have instructed them in your wonderful mysteries. Blank
For your glory, you have purified man from sin,
11 so that he can make himself holy for you
from every impure abomination and blameworthy iniquity,
to become united with the sons of your truth
and in the lot of your holy ones,
12 to raise the worms of the dead
from the dust, to an [everlasting] community
and from a depraved spirit, to your knowledge,
13 so that he can take his place in your presence
with the perpetual host
and the [everlasting] spirits,
to renew him with everything that will exist,
14 and with those who know
in a community of jubilation. Blank
Blank
is I give you thanks, my God,
I exalt you, my rock,
and in your working wonders [.. .]
16 because you have made me know the foundation of truth.
[...]
17 you have revealed [your wonders] to me
and I have contemplated [. . .]
[. . .] of your favour.
18 And I have known that in you there is justice,
and in your favour there is [. . .]
and destruction without your compassion.
ig A source of sorrow has opened for me,
bitterness [without end distresses me,]
354
POETIC TEXTS
iqH xix 20-30
grief has not been hidden from my eyes,
20 when I knew man’s instincts,
the return of mankind [to dust,]
[his inclination] towards sin
and the anguish of guilt.
27 These things have entered my heart,
they have penetrated my bones,
[•■■]
to plunge me into the meditation of anguish.
22 /I have sighed on the harp of lament
for every sorrow of anguish,/
with bitter plaint,
until iniquity is destroyed,
and [fraud comes to] an end,
and there are no more ravaging diseases.
23 Then will I sing with the harp of salvation,
the zither of happi[ness,]
[the tambourine of j]oy
and the flute of praise,
without cease.
24 And who among your creatures
can recount [all your glo]ry?
In the mouth of everyone is your name praised,
25 for ever and ever they bless you, to the extent of their knowledge,
[day after] day they proclaim together, with a joyous voice.
26 There will be neither distress nor sighing,
iniquity [and fraud will exist no longer.]
But your truth will be displayed
27 for endless glory and eternal peace.
Be blessed, Lord,
28 because you have given your servant
the insight of knowledge
to understand your wonders
[and your deeds without| number
through the abundance of your favour.
29 Be blessed, God of compassion and kindness,
though your great goodness,
through the abundance of your truth,
and through your great kindness
jo towards all your works.
Gladden the soul of your servant with your truth
and purify me with your justice,
iqH xix 31-xx 9
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355
31 since I have trusted in your goodness
and I have hoped in your favour.
32 By your forgiveness you will open my hope,
in my distress you will comfort me,
for I have leaned on your compassion.
33 Be blessed, Lord,
because you have done these things.
You have put into the mouth of your servant
thanksgiving, [praises,]
34 entreaties and the reply of the tongue.
For me you have established actions [and deeds,]
[...]
35 I have had [the strength . . .] 36 And you [. . .] 37-48 ... [. . .]
Col. xx (= xn + frags. 54 + 60) 1 [. . .] you swell my soul [. . .]
2 In happiness and [joy will I live] safely
in the holy residence,
in rest and peace.
3 [Praise] and blessing
in your tents of glory and salvation.
Among those who fear you, I will praise your name.
4 [For the Instructor,
praises and prayers,
to bow down and entreat always,
from period to period:
when the light comes from his residence;
5 in the positions of the day, according to the regulation,
in accordance with the laws of the great luminary;
at the return of the evening, at the departure of light,
6 when the realm of the shades begins;
at the appointed moment of the night, in their stations;
at the return of dawn,
7 at the moment when it withdraws to its quarters before the light;
at the departure of night when day enters;
continually,
8 in all the births of time
in the foundation of the period,
in the positions of the stations in the commands of their signs
g through the whole realm,
in accordance with the decree established through God’s mouth,
and through the witness of what is.
And this will be, and nothing more;
35&
POETIC TEXTS
iqH xx 10-29
10 besides him there is no other, nor will there ever be another.
For the God of knowledge
11 has established it
and no-one else with him. Blank
And I, the Instructor, have known you, my God,
12 through the spirit which you gave to me,
and I have listened loyally to your wonderful secret
through your holy spirit.
13 You have opened within me
knowledge of the mystery of your wisdom,
the source of your power,
[...]
14 [...] abundance of grace, zeal for annihilation [...] i5 [...] the majesty of your
glory like light [...] 16 [...] wicked and there will be no fraud [...] vj [...] ruin,
for [...] not 18 [...] there will be no more annihilation, because before [...]
19 [• ■ ■] and there is no-one just with you [. . .] 20 to understand all your myster-
ies and to be able to answer [. . .] 21 your reproach, and they will be attentive to
your goodness because in your favour [. . .] 22 and they know you and in the era
of your glory they rejoice, and in accordance with their knowledge . . .] and to
the extent of their intellect 23 you let them improve and in accordance with
their domain they serve you, and corresponding to their divisions f. 24 so
as not to transgress your word.
And I: from the dust you have gathered me,
[and from clay] you have made [me,]
25 to be a source of uncleanness,
and of vile filth,
a pile of dust,
kneaded with water,
[...]
a lodging of shades.
26 The creature of clay must return to the dust
at the end of his days.
[...]
[and must revert] to the dust
27 from which he has been taken.
What will the dust reply?
[...]
28 How will he stand up to someone who reproaches him?
[...]
29 [...] eternal,
storehouse of glory,
iqH xx 30-xxi 18
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357
spring of wisdom,
power [of wonder.]
30 They cannot recount all your glory,
or stand up in front of your anger.
31 There is no reply at all to your reproach,
for you are just
and there is no-one before you.
Who is he, who returns to his dust?
32 I have kept silence.
What can I say about these matters?
I spoke in accordance with my knowledge,
with the rights of one fashioned from clay.
33 What will I say if you do not open my mouth?
How can I understand if you do not teach me?
34 What can I propose if you do not open my heart?
How will I walk on the right path
if you not steady [my feet?]
35 [How] will my steps stay secure
[if you do not] strengthen [me] with strength?
And how will I rise [if you do not . . . me]
36 and everything [...] in waters ... [...] 37 ...[...] 38 in [...] 39 ... [...]
Col. xxi (= xviii [lower section, col. 1] + frag. 3 1 [. . .the wic]kedness of one born
from wo[man] 2 [. . .] your justice 3 [. . .] I saw this 4 [. . .] How will I see if you
do not open my eyes, and hear 3 [if you do not open my ears?. . .] My heart is
perturbed, because the word has been disclosed to an uncircumcised ear and
a [. . .] heart. 6 And I know' that you, my God, have done these things for your-
self. And what is flesh 7 [... to perform] wonderfully, and in your plans to
strengthen and establish everything for your glory. 8[. . .] the host of knowledge
to proclaim exploits to flesh and solid precepts to the one born of 9 [woman . . .]
You have brought him into the covenant with you and you have opened the
heart of dust so that he will avoid 10 [. . .] the traps of judgment, by reason of
your mercies. And I, I am a creature 11 [of clay ... of du]st and heart of stone.
With whom will I be reckoned until these things? For 12 [. . . ] to the ear of dust,
and you have inscribed for ever what is to happen in the heart of 13 [...] you
have made stop, to bring into the covenant with you and so that he will con-
tinue 14 [in your presence . . .] in the everlasting residence, in the light of dawn
for ever, without darkness 15 [. . .] with no end, and eras of peace without li[mits
. . .] 16 [. . .] And I, I am a creature of dust [. . .] 17 [. . .] I will open [. . .] 18 [. . .] ...
[...]
Frag. 3 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...]... [...] the path is open for [...] 3 [...] the tracks of
35«
POETIC TEXTS
1QH XXI-XXII
peace, and with flesh to perform wonders [...] 4 [...] my steps over hiding-
places of traps. And he who stretches [. . .] 5 [. . .] I and I preserve the one fash-
ioned from dust from being scattered, and in the the midst of wax [...] 6 [...]
heap of ash, how can I stand firm before the hurricane? [. . .] 7 [. . .] and he pro-
tects him by the mystery of his will. For he knows [...]§[...] until destruction.
They have hidden trap upon trap, the nets of wickedness [. . .] 9 [. . .] in sinful-
ness. And every creature of deception will end. For [...] not w [.. .] And there
will be no more wicked intention and deeds of deception. [. . .] 77 [. ..] Blank And
I, creature of c[lay...] 12 [.. .] How will it appear strong before you? You are the
God of knowledge [. . .] 13 [. . .] You have made them, and without you nothing
is made [...] 14 [...] of dust. I have known by the spirit which you have given
me [. . .] 15 [. . .] all sinfulness and fraud will be driven out, and presumption will
end [...] 16 [...] deeds of impurity [will be punished] by illnesses and judg-
ments of diseases and destruction [...] 77 [...] ... Yours is indignation and zeal
[...] ,«[...] ... [...]
Col. xxii (= xviii [lower section , col. 11] + frags. 11 + 52 + 4 + 47) 7 [. . . holiness
which is in heaven 2 great [...,] and is a wonder. They cannot 3 [ . . . \ but he will
not prevent them knowing everything 4 [. . . which go]es back to its dust. I, I am
a man of sin, wrapped 5 [in impurity ... in] wicked guilt. In the periods of an-
ger I 6 [. . .] to endure before my diseases and to be preserved from 7 [. . .] you
have taught me these things. For there is hope for man 8 [. . .] you loathe. And
I, I am a creature of clay. I have leaned 9 ... [...] my God. I know that truth
70 comes from your mouth [...] behind. And I, in my era, will keep 11 your
covenant [...] You have kept me in my position, for 72 [...] man, and you have
made him turn back. Why ... 13 [ . . . ] creature of clay [ . . . ] you increase and . . .
14 [...] he will instruct (?) ... not [...] 75 [...] 1, 1 am a creature [of clay ...]
Frag. 47 7 [. . . ] he will rejoice [. . .] 2 and the volunteers do not [. . .] 3 for me since
the time when I was established for [. . .] 4 he will not enter, for [. . .] 5 like my
building, and my entrails [. . .]
Frag. 4 7 [...]...[...] 2 [...] which [...] 3 [...] evening and morning with [...]
4 [...] of the man and of [.. .] 5 [...] they keep watch and over their turns [.. .]
6 [...] your threats to every dishonest and dsetr[uctive] opponent [...] 7 [...]
And you, you have opened my ear, for [. . .] 8 [. . .] and the men of the covenant
have been seduced by them and have entered [...] 9 [...] before you. And I, I
have been disturbed at your judgment [. . .] 10 [. . .] Who will be innocent in your
judgment? How will I open [my mouth] 11 [. . .] I in your judgment? Who goes
back to his dust like [...] ? 12 [...] you have opened my heart to your knowl-
edge, and you open my ear 13 [...] to lean on your goodness. But my heart is
disturbed [...] 14 [...] and my heart melts like wax on account of fault and sin.
iqH xxiij
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359
'S [•••] ••• Be blessed, God of knowledge, who has established 16 [...] this hap-
pens to your servant on your account. Because I have known i7 [. . .] I hope with
all that I am. Always I will bless your name /£[...] [. . .] Do not desert
me in the time of ig [...] your glory and your goodness. 20 [...] upon [...]
Col. xxiii (= xviii [upper portion, col. 1] + frag. 57 1 + 1 11 + 2 1) 1 your light, and
you have established the lumfinaries. . .] 2 your light, without cease. [. . .] j Be-
cause light is with you for [...] 4 You open the ear of dust [...] 5 the
plan you have made [...] to kn[ow] and have entrusted to the ear of
6 your servant for ever. [. . .] your wonderful pronouncements to show yourself
7 to the eyes of all those who listen to you [. . .] by your powerful right (hand),
to take care of the weak 8 by the strength of your might [. . .] by your name and
to show yourself mighty in your power.
9 Do not withdraw your hand,
[keep your arm stretched] out
for the one who holds fast to your covenant
jo and stands up before you!
[...]
You have opened a spring in the mouth of your servant,
jj on his tongue you have inscribed the cord [...]
[to] announce your knowledge to your creature,
12 to explain these matters to dust such as me.
You have opened a spring to correct
the path of the creature of clay,
the guilt of the one born of woman
j 3 according to his deeds,
to open [the source of] your truth to the creature
whom you have supported with your power,
14 to [be,] according to your truth,
[. . .] herald of your goodness,
to proclaim to the poor
the abundance of your mercies,
J5 [to ] of the spring [. . .]
to the repentant at heart
and to the downtrodden, everlasting delight.
16 [...]...[...]
Frag. 2 1-2 [...]...[...] 3 [...] and in your land and among the sons of gods and
among the sons of [...]... 4 [...] to praise you and to tell of all your glory.
And I, what am I?
From the dust you took me
5 and to the |dust I will return.]
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iqH XXIII-XXIV
For your glory have you done all this.
According to the abundance of your graces
of the observance of your justice.
6 [■■•]
continually, until salvation.
The interpreters of knowledge
are with all my steps,
the reproachers of truth
/[•••]
For, what is dust in your palfms?]
The works of dust between your hands?
They are [nothing.] But you
<¥[...] clay [...] your approval. Upon stones (?) do you put me as a test g [...]
and upon the dust you stretch out the spirit 10 [. . .] in the mud [. . .the sons of]
gods, to be in communion with the sons of heaven. 11 [...] without return to
darkness. For 12 [...] you have revealed light, but not in order to make [...]
return 13 you have stretched out [your] holy [spirit] to cover the fault 14 [...]
with your army and those who walk ;j [. . .] before your presence, because they
have been established in your truth 16 [...] you have done these wonders for
your glory and for your justice 17 [...]... the depravity of the hateful creature.
18 [. . .] hateful creature.
Col. xxiv (= xviii [upper portion, col. 11] + frags. 57 11 + 9 + 50 + 45 + 6 + 2 11)
1 [...]...[...] 2 and you will place [. . .upon] (a) creature of flesh 3 your hand [. . .]
and bend it double 4 in your judgment [...] (to) the angels 5 ... [...] the secrets
of sinfulness /to convert/ 6 flesh into [...] planned upon it all 7 the angels of
[. . .] through the cords of the spirit, and humbled 8 the gods from the place of
[. . .] in the dwelling of your glory. And you, you 9 to the man upon [. . .] I will
withdraw until the times of your approval, 10 and to send [. . .] the power and
the abundance of the flesh, to sentence as guilty 11 in the age of [anger. . .] to
establish in council with you 12 [...] the bastards, all the 13 [...] ...
Frag. 45 ?[...] justice [. . .] 2 [. . .] to the pit in the time of sinfulness [. . .] of every
opponent and the destruction [ . . . ] 4 [ . . . ] on their heads and to send peoples to
them [...] 5 [...] the presumptious man in very many disloyalties [...] 6 [...]
with contempt. Because all the spirits [. . .] 7 [. . .] (they) will be condemned as
guilty during their lives [. . .]
Frag. 6 1 [. . .] wicked 2 [. . .] and in the judgments 3 ... [. . .] the bastards to con-
demn the flesh as guilty 4 ... [. . .] their spirit to save 5 [. . .] you have revealed
the wonder of your mysteries 6 to the so[ns of ...] to the flesh, and I have
known 7 for [. . .] wickedness in the time of 8 all [. . .] and everyone who consid-
iqH xxv-xxvi
THE HYMNS
36l
ers 9 [...] and he will not hide 10 [...] you have worked more than the sons of
11 God [. . .] the iniiquities of the peoples 12 in their inheritance [.. .] increasing
the guilt 13 of every [.. .] you have abandoned them into the hand 14 ...
Col. xxv (= frags. 8 + 5)
Frag. 5 1 [. . .] your judgment of justice against [. . .] 2 [. . .] he will scatter them
from the position of [...] 3 [...] with the congregation of the holy ones. In the
wonder of [...] 4 for ever. You will make the spirits of wickedness dwell (?)
outside [...] 5 and he will no longer exist. You will destroy the place of [...]
6 the spirits of wickedness who have been oppressed by sorrow [...] 7 and de-
light for everlasting generations. And when wickedness arises to [.. .] 8 its op-
pression has grown right to destruction. And opposed to all your works [...]
9 your graces, and to know everything in your glory, and to [. . ,]io the judgment
of your truth. You have revealed to the ear of flesh [. . .] 11 your heart. And you
have made known the time of the witness [...] 12 and to the dwellers of the
land, upon the land. And also [. . .] 13 darkness. You will make a lawsuit to pro-
nounce the jufst man jujst and sentence the guilty. . .] 14 and not to scatter [. . .]
your word [...] 13 ...[...]
Frag. 8 1-2 3 you exalt [. . .] 4 counsel [. . .] 5 those who serve [. . .] 6 and
those who acknowledge [. . .] 7 to praise [. . .] 8 1 have told and 9 the knowledge
[. . .] 10 For the Instructor, sofng. . .] 11 because [. . .]
Col. xxvi (= frag. 7 11) 1 more. [. . .] ...[...] 2 height, without there being a rem-
nant. [...] 3 and high in its elevation, with [...] 4 everlasting. And those who
stumble on earth f . . .] 5 and everlasting enjoyment in his place [. . .] 6 {to make
known the power} . . .[ 7 in his knowledge of the covenant of grace [. . .] 8 God
of justice and of knowledge [...] 9 with the strength of might [...] 10 What is
flesh before these things? [...] 11 to settle in their positions [...] 12 to make a
reply [...] 13 ...[...]
lQHymns^ (1Q35 [iqH*])
Frag. 1 (= iqFF xv, 27-38) [I give you] thanks, Lord, because you have taught
me your truth, you have made me know your wonderful mysteries, 1 [your
kindnesses with sinful men, the abundance of your compassion with] the per-
verted [of heart.] 2 Who is like you. Lord, among the gods? Who (is) like your
truth? Who is just before you] when he is judged? 3 [No host could reply to
your reproach, no-one could endure] before 4 [your anger. All the sons of your
truth you bring to forgiveness in your presence, you cleanse from their sins
5 [by the greatness of your goodness and in the abundance of your compassion,
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to make them be in your presence for ever and ever.] For you are an eternal
God, 6 and all your paths remain from eternity to eternity. And there is no-one
apart from you. What 7 is empty man, owner of futility, to understand] your
wonderful great deeds? Blank 8[.. .] Blank 9 [I give you thanks, Lord, because you
have not let my lot fall in the congregation of deceit,] and in the council of
hypocrites to [you have] not [put my regulation, but you have led me to your
grace and your forgiveness,. . .] and, in [the abundan]ce of 11 [your compassion,
to all the judgments of. . . ] I have been taught about the offenfces] 12 [. . .] since
my youth in blood, and up to 13 [. . . corruption, and in the regulation . . .] your
heart and to hear 14 [. . .] ...
Frag. 2 (= iqH0 xvi, 12- 13) 1 [so that the flame of the searing tire will not
reach] the spring of life, 2 [ Blank (?) with] the everlasting trees it will not drink
3 [the waters of holiness, or produce its fruit with the help of the clouds.]
4Q427 (4QHodayotu [4QH“])
Frag. 1 (= iqH" xix 17-25) 1 [... to me have you re]vealed [your wonders]
and I have contemplated [...]
[. . .] of your favour.
2 [And I have known that in you there is justice,
and in your favour there is . . .]
and destruction without your compassion.
[A source of sorrow] has [opened for me,
bitterness without end distresses me,...
3 grief has not been hidden from my eyes,
when I knew the instincts of] man,
and considered the reply of mankind,
and have deepened [sin
4 and the anguish of guilt.
These things have entered my heart,
they have penetrated my bones. . .
to plunge] me into the meditation of angufish.
I have sighed] on the harp of lament
for every sorrfow of anguish,
5 with bitter plaint,
until iniquity is destroyed,
and fraud comes to an end,
and there are no more ravaging diseases.
Then will I sing with the harp of] salvation,
the zither of [happiness,]
the tambourine of j]oy
4Q427
THE HYMNS
363
6 [and the flute of praise,
without cease.
And who among your creatures
can recount all your glory?
In the mouth of everyone is your name pra]ised,
7 [for ever and ever they bless you, to the extent of their knowledge,
day after day they will proclaim together, with a joyous voice...]
Frag. 3 col. 1 (= iqH" vii 5 — 9) 1 [...]...[...] 2 [... according to their intelli-
gence.] And in accordance with their knowledge by your glory [...] 3 [... un-
ceasingly. And from age to age] they will cause to hear and from festivity to
festivity [...],/[... And we have gathered together in a community, and] with
those who know we allow ourselves to be reproached by you and we acclaim
5 [. . . the people of your heroes.] Before your marvels we will sing together in
the assembly of God and with 6 [. . . and our descendants] will inform the sons
of man in the midst of the sons of Adam. 7 [. . .] Blank <¥[...] a great cry through
the ruins of 9 [...] ... 10 [...] the man u [...] light, dominion 12 [...] For he
purifies 13 [...] for ever. And the lamp of blessing 14 [...] anguish. I have
moaned 75 [...] his mercy.
Frag. 3 col. 11 (= iqH" xx 3-15) 3 ... [...]
4 with the spirits eter[nal . . .
in his tents of glory and salvation.
Among those who fear you, I will praise your name.]
5 For the Instructor,
praises [and prayers,
to bow down and entreat always,
from period to period:
6 when] the light comes to his king[dom
in the positions of the day, according to the regulation,
in accordance with the laws of the great luminary;
7 at the return of evening,] at the departure of light,
when the realm of the sha[des begins;
at the appointed moment of the night, in their stations;
at the return of dawn,
8 at the moment when it withdraws] to its quarters before the light;
at the departure of night when day enters;
continually,
in all the births of time,
in the foundations of the period,]
9 in the positions of the stations [in the commands of their signs
through his whole realm,
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4Q427
in accordance with the decree established through God’s mouth,
and through the witness] of what is.
10 And this [will be, and nothing more;
besides him there is no other, nor will there ever be another.
11 For the God] of knowledge
has established it
and no-one else with him. Blank
12 And I, the Instructor, have known you, my God,
through the spirit which you gave to me,
and I have listened loyally to your wonderful secret]
13 through [your holy] spirit.
[You have opened within me
knowledge of the mystery of your wisdom,
the source of your power,...]
14 abunfdance of grace, zeal for destruction. . .
the majesty of your glory like light]
15 eterfnal...]
Frag. 7 col. I 6-7 [...]... 8 [. . .] among the divinities 9 [. . .] he will summon me
with the tongue 10 [...] evil to the holy ones, and he will not come [...]//[...]
and he will not be able to compare with my glory. As for me, my place is with
the divinities, 12 [and glory or splend]our for myself I do not [buy them] with
gold or with refined gold or precious metals 13 [...] will not be counted to me.
Sing, favoured ones,
sing to the king of [glory,
14 be happy in the assemjbly of God,
exult in the tents of salvation,
praise in the [holy] residence,
13 exalt together with the eternal hosts,
ascribe greatness to our God
and glory to our King;
16 [san]ctify his name with stalwart lips
and powerful tongue,
raise your voices in unison in all the periods,
17 cause the sound of the shout to be heard,
rejoice with everlasting happiness,
18 and bow down unceasingly in the united assembly.
Bless the one who does amazing wonders,
and shows the might of his hand
19 sealing up the mysteries
and revealing hidden things,
raising up those who stumble
4Q427
THE HYMNS
365
and the ones who give in,
20 [concerting the behaviour of those who await knowledge
and lowering the exalted meetings of the eternally proud,
21 [confirming the mysteries of majes[ty]
and establishing the [porten]ts of glory.
He who judges with destructive wrath
22 [...] with tenderness, justice,
and with great mercy, entreaty
23 [•••]
mercy for those who enjoy the goodness of his greatness
and source of [...]
Frag. 7 col. II j [...] oppression [...]
4 deceit [ends]
and there is no wickedness that is not known;
light is evident
and enjoyment [flourishes;]
5 sorrow [disappears]
and anguish flies away;
peace is evident,
terror ceases,
there opens the fount of [perpetual bles]sing,
6 and of wellbeing for all the eternal periods;
wickedness ends,
the plague ceases
and there is no illness;
[evil is eliminated]
7 and there is no more [guilt.]
Proclaim and say:
[Great is the God who works wonders,]
8 for he brings down the arrogant spirit
without even a remnant;
and he raises the poor from the dust [to an eternal height,]
9 and extols his stature up to the clouds
and cures him together with the divinities
in the congregation of the community;
[...]
jo wrath for eternal destruction. Blank
Those who fall to earth he lifts up
with no price,
u [perpetual po]wer [is in] their steps
and eternal enjoyment in their dwellings,
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4Q427 . 428
perennial glory,
unceasing [for ever and ever.]
12 They will say: Blessed be God
who works mighty wonders,
who does great things to display power,
13 [who declares just] in the knowledge of all his creatures,
who [performs] goodness upon their faces,
so that they know the abundance of his kindn[esses
14 and] his [many] mercies
with all the sons of his truth.
We have known you, God of justice,
is and we have seen your zeal in the strength of your power
and we have recognized [your justice in the abundance of] your mercies
16 and in the wonder of your forgiveness.
What is flesh before these things?
How will [dust and clay asp]ire
17 to tell these things from period to period,
or set in their positions [. . .]
18 the sons of the heavens?
There is no intermediary to make reply [to your commands]
[...]
ig for you,
for you have established us by your wi[ll
in the frontier of ...]
20 strength, to <reply>/hear your wonders/
[...]
21 to you we speak and not to a cham[pion . . .
[...]
22 [And you paid] attention to the outcry of our lips.
De[clare and say:
[...]
23 the heavens with his strength,
and all their plans he established with his force,
the earth with his power [. . .]
4Q428 (4QHodayot* [4QI L|)
Frag. 7 (= iqH" xv 34-36; iqH" xvi 1-5) [I give you thanks,] Lord,
because you did not make my lot fall in the congregation of falsehood,
; nor have you placed] my regulation [in the counsel of hypocrites,]
but you have called me [to your favour and your forgiveness,
4Q428 ■ 429
THE HYMNS
367
2 and in your bountiful mercy,
to al[l the judgments of . . .]
3 I plunged into the fault of [. . .]
[depravity, and into the regulation ...]
4 with abundant impurity,
and since my youth in [. . .]
5 My God, you steady my feet in your paths
[...]
6 my ear and my heart to understand your truth
[••■]
7 the ear in your teaching until [. . .]
8 you establish knowledge in my vitals
and you glori[fy me ...]
9 to him more for the stumbling-block of sin
for [...]
[your justice is constant]
70 for ever, because not [...] your paths [...]
77 Blank I give you tha[nks,] Lord,
because [you have set me in the source of streams]
in a dry land,
in the spring of water in a [parched] land, [. . .]
4Q429 (4QHodayotf ^qH1])
Frag. 1 col. 1 (= iqH" xiii 7-9) 7 [lions which grind the bones of strong men,
and drink the blood of champ]ions.
You made my lodging [with many fishermen,
2 those who spread the net upon surface] of the sea,
those who go hunting [the sons of iniquity.
3 And there you established me for the judgment,
and the foundation of tr]uth you strengthened
Frag. 1 col. 11 (= iqH" xiii 15- 18) 7 in me, [to show before the sons of man,
you did wonders with the poor,
2 you placed him like g]old in the crucible,
[under the effect of fire
like purified silver in the furnace] of the jeweller
3 to be refined [seven times.
They hustled me, the wicked of]
4 the nations with their harassment,
[and the whole day they crushed my soul.
5 But you, my Go]d, have changed the storm to [calm
and have freed the soul of the poor.]
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Frag. 1 col. m (= iqFF xm 26 - 28) 7 [you have concealed the source of
knowledge
[and the foundation of truth.
8 They] plot [evil in their heart,]
and the words of Be[lial have opened a lying tongue]
9 like vipers’ venom which stretches for periods
10 like those who throw themselves in the dust they cast to trap
glints of serpents,
11 against which there is no [inca]ntation.
They have become incurable pain,
12 a wasting disease [in the innards of] your servant,
w hich makes the spirit stagger and makes an end of
Frag. 1 col. iv (= iqIT xiii 29-38) 1 [strength, so] that he is unable to remain
in his pl[ace.
They have overtaken me in narrow' places where there is no escape,
though not dividing the groups.]
2 They announce the charge against me with the harp,
[their grumblings with verses in harmony,
with demolition and destruction.]
3 Resentment has taken hold of me
and torments [like the pan]gs of [giving birth.
My heart is in turmoil within me.
I have dressed in black]
4 and my tongue sticks to my palate,
because they surround me with the shafme of their heart;
their intention is obvious to me in bitterness.]
5 The light of my face [has become gloomy] with deep darkness,
my radiance [has changed into gloom.
And you, my God,]
6 have opened [a broad space] in my heart,
but they have increased the narrowness
[and have wrapped me in darkness.
7 I have eaten] the bread of weeping,
my drink is tears [without end.
For my eyes are blinded by the grief
8 and my soul by the bitternejss of the day.
Weeping and pain surfround] me,
[shame covers my face,
9 my bread has turned into quarrel]
and my drink into argument,
[they have entered my bones
4Q43° ■ 43i
THE HYMNS
369
10 to make my spirit stagger
and make an end of strength
in accordance with the mysteries of sin
which, by their evil, have altered] the deeds of [God.
For I have been tied with ropes
11 which cannot be un]tied,
with chains which cannot [be broken;
a strong rampart surrounds me,
12 iron bars and bronze gates] which cannot be opened
[my gaol is tied to the deep
w ithout there being a chance of escape]
4Q430 (4QHodayofy [qQlf'l)
Frag. 1 (= iqI I" xii 13-19) 1 [But they, hypocrites, plot intrigues of Belial,]
they loo[k for you with a double heart,
and are not firmly based in your truth.
2 There is in their thougfhts a root which produces poi]son and wormwood,
with stubbornness of heart they inquire,
3 [they look for you among the idols,]
place in front of themselves the stumbling-block of their offences,
4 [they go to look for you in the mouth of prophets of] deceit
attracted by delusion.
[They speak to your people with stuttering lip and weird tongue
5 to convert to folly al]l their deeds [with tricks.
For they have not chosen the path of your heart
6 nor have they listened to your word.]
They said of the vision of knowledge: [It is not certain!
and of the path of your heart: It is not that!
7 But you, O God,] will answer them, [judging them with your power
according to their idols and their numerous sins.]
4Q431 (4QHodayot<’ [4014"])
Frag. 1 (= 4Q427 Frag. 7 11 2- 10) 1 and wickedness perishes [. . .] 2 in it oppres-
sion ceases, with indignation [...]
3 [and there is no] wickedness that is not known;
light is evident
and enjoyment [flourishes;]
sorrow disappears
4 and anguish flies away;]
peace is evident,
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terror ceases,
there opens the fount of [perpetual bles]sing,
5 [and of wellbeing for all the] eternal [periods;]
wickedness ends,
the plague ceases
and there is no illness;
6 [evil is eliminated]
and there is no more [guilt.]
Proclaim /and/ say:
Great is the God who works [wonders,
7 for he brings down the] arrogant [spirit]
without even a remnant;
and he raises the poor Blank from the dust
8 [to an eternal height,
and up to the clo]uds extols his stature
and [treats him together] with the divinities
9 in the community of the congregation;
[... wrath] for eternal destruction,
and those who fall to earth
4Q510
HYMNS AGAINST DEMONS
371
3 Hymns against Demons
a Songs of the Sage
4QSongs of the Sage" (4Q510 [4QShira])
Frag. 1 *[...] praises.
Blessfings to the Ki]ng of glory.
Words of thanksgiving in psalms of [. . .]
2 to the God of knowledge,
to the resplendence of the powerful,
God of gods,
Lord of all the holy ones.
3 His rea[lm] is above the powerful mighty
before the might of his power all are terrified,
they scatter and flee before the radiance of his dwelling]
4 of his glory and majesty. Blank
And I, the Sage,
declare the grandeur of his radiance
in order to frighten and terrfify]
5 all the spirits of the ravaging angels
and the bastard spirits,
demons, Liliths, owls and [jackals...]
6 and those who strike unexpectedly
to lead astray the spirit of knowledge,
to make their hearts forlorn and . . .
in the era of the rule of wickedness
7 and in the periods of humiliation of the sons of light,
in the guilty periods of those defiled by sins
not for an everlasting destruction
8 but rather for the era of the humiliation of sin [. . .]
Rejoice, righteous ones, in the God of wonders.
9 My psalms are for the upright. Blank
May all those of perfect path praise you. Blank
Frag. 2 /[...] and in the lot of wickedness. And all [. . .] 2 [. . .] God of salvation.
And the holy ones [...] 3 [...] eternal. And all the spirits [. . .] 4 [...] eternal fire,
burning in [...] j [...] ... [...]
4QSongs of the Sage* (4Q5 1 1 [4QShir*])
Frag. 1 /[...] in their domains 2 [. . .on the ear]th
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4Q511 1-2
3 and in all the spirits of his domain for ever.
In their eras may the seas bless
4 and all their living things.
May they declare [...] beauty, all of them;
5 may they exult before the God of Justice
in [...] saving acts.
6 Because there is no exterminator in their borders,
and their evil spirits do not walk in them,
7 for the glory of the God of knowledge shines out in their words,
8 and not one of the sons of wickedness is able to resist.
Frag. 2 col. 1 ; Of the Sage. Song [...]
| Praise the name of] his holiness
2 and extol him all of you who know [justice...]
3 He has concluded with the chief of demons
and has not [...]
4 eternal and lasting life
to make the light shine [. . .]
5 His lot is Jacob’s best,
and the inheritance of God [...]
Israel [...]
6 [they] follow the path of God
and the way of his holiness.
For the holy ones of his people
7 intelligence lies in knowledge of God.
He located Israel in twelve camps [. . .]
8 [. . .] the lot of God with the angels of the luminaries of his glory.
In his name the praises of
9 [...which] he instituted for the feasts of the year;
and in the unique dominion,
so that they would walk in the lot of [God]
10 according to his glory,
and serve him in the lot of the people of his throne.
For, the God of [...]
Frag. 2 col. 11 ;...[...] 2 and they will seek for [. ..] 3 and the congregation of the
bastards. All [...] 4 and the shame of ones face. According to the number of
[. . .] 5 God . . . with might [. . .] 5 God’s mysteries, who knows them? [. . .] 6 The
God of the powers has united them [...] 7 like them. And the impure, accord-
ing to their impurity [. . .] 8 knows the uprightness of the upright [. . .] 9 and in
Israel ... [. . .]
4Q51 1 3-1°
HYMNS AGAINST DEMONS
373
Frag. 3 i [...] through the centuries. For, [...] 2 [...] your abominations. Blank
After, [ . . . ] j [ . . . ] the periods of wickedness [. . .] 4 [. . . ] the powers. And, like a
wise man [...] 5 L-..] I will not have peace for you [...] 6 [...] their dwelling.
And they will all be startled [...]/[...] the heavens and the earth will be split
[.. .] 8 [.. .] and all[ ]
Frag. 8 2 [...] they will exult in God. [...] 3 [...] Blank [...] 4 [For
the Instructor.] Second song to startle those who terrify [. . .] 5 [. . .] their stray-
ing in humiliations, but not for [eternal] destruction [. . .] 6 [. . .] of God in the
secret of Shaddai [...] 7 [...] he will hide me [...] 8 [...] among his holy ones
[...] 9 [...] together with his holy ones [...] 10 [...] giving thanks to God. Blank
Because [...]/ 1 [ ... in] the houses of his glory will they be gathered [...] 12 [...]
You are the God of gods [. . .]
Frag. 10 (= 4Q510 1) [And I, the Sage,
declare the majesty of his radiance
in order to frighten and terrify
1 all the spirits of the ravaging angels
and the bastard spirits,
demons,] Liliths, [owls and jackals...
2 and those who strike unexpectedly]
to lead astray the spirit [of knowledge,
3 to make their hearts forlorn and . . .]
in the era of the rule of wickedness
4 [and in the periods of humiliation of the sons of light,]
in the guilty periods of those defiled [by sins;]
5 [not for an everlasting destruction]
but rather for the era of [the humiliation of sin]
6 [ • • • ] Blank
7 [Rejoice, just people,] in the God of wonders.
For the upright the psalms of his glory.
8 [Blank]
May all those of perfect path praise you.
Blank
With the lyre of salvation they shall open their mouth
9 for God’s kindnesses.
They will search for his manna. Blank Save me, O God!
10 [He who keeps fav]our in truth for all his works,
he who rules with justice
11 those who exist for ever
and will exist for centuries.
He judges in the council of gods and men.
374
POETIC TEXTS
4Q5H i8-35
12 In the heights of the heavens (is) his reproach
and in all the foundations of the earth
the judgments of his hand.
Frag. 18 col. 11 1-3 [...]. 4 [.. .] Blank s [Are there, perhaps, needs] in my words?
There are none. In what issues from my lips? There is no foe. 6 [...] and the
spirit of my intelligence ... deed of wickedness, for 7 God examines me. I
loathe all my deeds of impurity. For, 8 God makes the knowledge of intelli-
gence shine in my heart. My arbiter 9 is just with my depravities, and my judge
is faithful in all the sins 10 of my guilt. For, God is my judge, and in the pro-
fane hand, no
Frag. 18 col. ill 6 in ...[...] 7 and God ... [...] 8 judgment [...] 9 and when I
stumble (?) [. . .] w my wings towards you [. . .]
Frag. 30 1 you have sealed [...] ... [...] 2 and deep are [...] the heavens and the
abysses [...]
3 You, my God have sealed them all for ever,
and nobody opens them.
And for what reason [. . .]
4 Perhaps with the hollow of a man’s hand
the copious waters can be measured?
And [the span of the heavens] be calculated in palms?
[Who, with a third of a measure]
5 w ill accommodate the dust of the earth,
weigh the mountains with scales,
or the hills with a balance?
6 Man does not do these things.
How, then, can man measure
the spirit [of God?]
Frag. 35 1 God in all flesh,
and a judgment of vengeance to exterminate wickedness,
2 and through the rage of God’s wrath
against those (who have been) purified seven times.
3 Among the holy ones, God makes (some) holy for himself
like an everlasting sanctuary,
and there will be purity amongst those purified.
4 And they shall be priests, his holy people,
his army and his servants,
the angels of his glory.
5 They shall praise him with fantastic marvels. Blank
4Q5H 42-64
HYMNS AGAINST DEMONS
375
6 And as for me, I spread the fear of God in the ages of my generations
to exalt the name [...]
7 [to terrify] with his power
all the bastard spirits,
to subjugate them by fear [...]
Frag. 42 j 2 [...] he will do everything [...] 3 [. . .] Blank And on the
eighth I will open [my mouth. . .] 4 [. . .] the generations of my guilt, and I will
keep [. . .] 5 [...] And upon the foundations of the earth [...] 6 [...] its dust. I
know your thought [...]/[.. .] Because it is in your hand to open [...] 8[.. .] but
the eye. [...] not g [...] and if [...]
Frags. 48-59 col. 11 1 in God’s council. Because [. . .] He has placed his intelli-
gence in my heart [.. .] 2 the praises of his justice. [...] And through my mouth
he startles [all the spirits of] j the bastards, to humiliate [...] from impurity.
For in the members of 4 my flesh is the foundation off... and in] my body the
wars. The laws of 5 God are in my heart, and I surpa[ss] all the wonders of
man. The deeds of 6 guilt I pronounce wicked [...] God of ... Blank He
7 knows, and in his mysteries [...] ... the disputes of all 8 the spirits [...] ...
Col. in /[...]... And you, my God, [you are a merciful and compassionate
God,] slow to anger, bountiful in favour, foundation of tru[th..] 2 [. . .] to Adam
and to his sons [. . .] source of purity, deposit of glory, great in justice . . .] 3 [. . .]
... [...] judgments for the deeds of all, and he who returns blessings [...]
4 [. . .Blessed are you,] my God, king of glory, because from you comes judg-
ment [. . .] 5 [...] and from you, the foundation of all those who fear you [...]
6 [...] ... [...] You [...] 7 [...] from your threat [...] in the abundance of [...]
V | ... | ... [...]
Frags. 63-64 col. 11 1 [...] God’s deeds of my redemption,
[. . .] in the foundations of [. . .]
2 ... and in all this ... I will bless your name,
and in the festivals of my stipulations
3 I shall recount your marvels and engrave them,
the laws of praise of your glory.
At the start of every venture of the heart
4 lies knowledge,
and the offering of the utterance of just lips,
and being ready for every service of truth.
5 And with all the men of the covenant [...]
My peace is in thanksgiving,
![...] the deed, and in all
376
POETIC TEXTS
11Q11 I — II
Col. ill i As for me, my tongue will extol your justice
because you have unfastened it.
You have placed on my lips a fount of praise
2 and in my heart the secret of the start of all human actions
and the culmination of the deeds of the perfect ones of the path,
j the judgments of all the works that they do,
to vindicate the just one in your faithfulness
4 and pronounce the wicked guilty for his fault;
in order to announce: Peace to all men of the covenant
and to shout with a terrifying voice:
Woe on all those who break it.
Col. iv i May all your works bless
2 always. May your name be blessed
3 for eternal centuries. Amen. Amen.
b Psalms of exorcism
liQApocryphal Psalms" (l iqi i[i lQPsAp"])
Frag, a if...] and who weeps for him 2 [...] the oath 3 [...] by yhwh 4 [...] the
dragon 5 [ . . .] the eafrth. . .] 6 [. . .] exorfcising ...] 7 [...] to [...]«[.. .] this [. . .]
9 [...] to the devfils. . .] 10 [. . .] and he will dwe[ll. . .]
Col. 1 2 [Of David. Concerning the words of the spell] in the name of [yhwh. . .]
3 [...] of Solomon, and he will invoke [the name of yhwh] 4 [to set him free
from every affliction of the sphrits, of the devils, [Liliths,] 5 [owls and jackals.]
These are the devils, and the prifnce of enm]ity 6 [is Belial,] who [rules] over
the abyss [of dark]ness. 7 [...] to [ . . .] and to magfnify the | God of 8 [wonders. . .
the sons of] his people have completed the cure, 9 [. . . those who] have relied
on your name. Invoke io[... guardian of] Israel. Lean 11 [on yiiwh, the God
of gods, he who made] the heavens 12 [and the earth and all that is in them,]
who separated [light] 13 [from darkness... | ... [...]
Col. 11 1 [. . .And you shall say to him: Who] 2 are you? [Did you make the heav-
ens and] the depths [and everything they hold,] 3 the earth and everything
there is upon the] earth? Who has mafde these portents] 4 and these won[ders
upon the] earth? It is he, yhwh, [the one who] 5 has done a[ll this by his
power,] summoning all the [angels to come to his assistance,] 6 every [holy se]ed
which is in his presence, [and the one who judges] 7 [the sons of] heaven and
[all the] earth [on their account,] because they sent 8 sin upon [all the earth,]
and [evil] upon every ma[n. But] they know 9 [his wonder]ful [acts,] which none
11Q11 III — V
HYMNS AGAINST DEMONS
377
of them [is able to do in front of yhw]h. If they do not w [tremble] before
yhwh, so that [... and] obliterate the soul, u yhwh [will judge them] and they
will fear that great [punishment (?)]. 72 One among you [will chase after a thou-
sand . . .] of those who serve yhwh 13 [. . .] great. And [. . .] ... [. . .]
Col. hi 1 [and] great [. . .] summoning [...] 2 and the great [. . .And he will send
a] powerful [angel] and will ev[ict] you [from] 3 the whole earth. [...] heavens
[...] 4 YHWH will strike a [mighty bl]ow which is to destroy you [for ever,] 3 and
in the fury of his anger [he will send] a powerful angel against you, [to carry
out] 6 [all his commjands, (one) who [will not show] you mercy, who [. . .] 7 [. . .]
above all these, who will [ hurl] you to the great abyss, 8 [to the] deepest [Sheol.
Fa[r from the home of light] shall you live, for g the great [abyss] is utterly
8 dark, g [You shall no] longer [rule] over the earth 10 [but instead you shall be
shut in] for ever. [You shall be cursed] with the curses of Abaddon, 11 [and
punished by] the fury of y[hwh]’s anger. [You shall rule over] darkness for all
12 [the periods of] humiliation [...] your gift 73 [...]
Col. IV 7 [...]...[...] 2 which [. . .] those possessed [. ..] 3 the volunteers of your
tr[uth, when Ra]phael heals them. [...] Blank 4 Of David. Conc[erning the
words of the spe]ll in the name of yhwh. [Call on] 3 the heavens [at a]ny time.
[When] Beli[al] comes upon you, [you] shall say to him: 6 Who are you, [ac-
cursed amongst] men and amongst the seed of the holy ones? Your face is a face
7 of futility, and your horns are horns of a wre[tch]. You are darkness and not
light, 8 [s]in and not justice. [Against you,] the chief of the army, yhwh will
[shut] you g [in the] deepest She[ol, he will shut] the two bronze gates through
which] no w light [penetrates.] [On you there shall] not [shine the light of the]
sun, which [rises] 11 [upon the] just man [to illuminate his face.] You shall say
to him: [Is there not] perhaps [an angel] 12 [with the just] man, to go [to judg-
ment when] Sa[tan] mistreats him? [And he will be freed] from dark[ness by]
73 [the spirit of tru]th, [because jus]tice is with him [to uphold him at the judg-
ment.] 14 [...] not [...]
Col. v (lines 3- 14 = Ps 91) 7 2 for
ever 3 [all the] sons of Be[lial. Amen. Amen.] Selah. [Of David. He who stays]
in the shelter [of the Most High, [lives] in the sha|dow of the Powerful, 4 he
who says: yhwh is my refuge and my fortress, [my God] is the safety in which
I trust.] 3 [For] he will free you from the huntsman's net,] from the deadfly]
pestilence. [With] his feathers he will cover you, and under 6 his [wings] shall
you lodge. His pity for you will be your shield, and his truth your breastplate.
Selah. You shall not fear 7 the dread of the night, or the arrow which flies by
day, or the plague which fells at noon, or the pestilence which proceeds 8 in
darkness. A thousand will fall at your side, [ten thousand at your ri]ght, but it
37«
POETIC TEXTS
4Q560
will not make reach you. Only [lo]ok g with your eyes [and you shall see] the
reward of the vil]lain. You have called on your shelter, you have made him
your happiness, w You will 9 [not] see [evil upon you, the plague] will not reach
your tents. Because he has commanded his angels] 11 to safeguard you on your
[paths. They shall lift you] upon their palms, so that your foot does not [trip on
a st]one. [Upon] 12 vipers [and asps shall you] walk, trample [lions] and drag-
ons. You have joined yhwh and he will rescue you.] Thus [he will exalt you
and sh]ow [you] his salva[tion. Selah .] Blank [...] 14 And they shall ans[wer:
Amen. Amen.] Selah. Blank [...] 15 Blank
b Incantations
4QAgainst Demons (4Q560)
Col. 1 /[...] and to the heart, and as [...] 2 and you gave birth to rebellion, be-
gotten (through) the visitation of evil. [...] 3 [...] he who enters the flesh, the
male penetrator and the female penetrator 4 [...] iniquity and guilt, fire and
frost, and the heat of the heart 5 [. . .] in sleep, he who crushes the male and she
who passes through the female, those who dig 6 [. . .] the wicked [. . .] 7 [. . .] ...
[...]
Col. 11 4 before him and ... [. . And I, to the spirit of the oath [. ..] 6 1 enchant
you, spirit, [...] 7 in the earth and in the clouds [...]■¥[...] ... [...]
4Q184
WISDOM POEMS
379
4 Wisdom poems
4Q Wiles of the Wicked Woman (4Q184)
1 She [...] utters futility
and in [...]
She is always looking for depravities,
and whets the words of her mouth,
2 and implies insult,
and is busy leading the community astray with nonsense.
Her heart weaves traps,
her kidneys [nets.]
3 [Her eyes] have been defiled with evil
her hands go down to the pit
her feet sink to act wickedly
and to walk towards crimes.
6 [Her. . .] are foundations of darkness,
and there are sins a-plenty in her wings.
[Her. . .] are night gloom
and her clothes [...]
5 Her veils are shadows of the tw ilight
and her adornments diseases of corruption.
Her beds are couches of corruption
6 [...] of deep ditches.
Her lodgings are couches of darkness
and in the heart of the night are her tents.
In the foundations of gloom she sets up her dwelling
7 and camps in the tents of silence.
In the midst of eternal fire is her inheritance,
and those who shine do not enter.
8 She is the start of all the ways of wickedness.
Alas! She is the ruination of all who inherit her,
and the calamity of all those who grasp her.
g For her paths are paths of death,
and her roads, tracks to sin.
Her trails lead astray towards wickedness
10 and her pathways, to the guilt of transgression.
Her gates are the gates of death,
and in the entrance to her house, Sheol proceeds.
11 All those who go to her will not come back,
and all those who inherit her will sink to the pit.
She hides in ambush, in secret places
380
POETIC TEXTS
6Q185
12 [...] all [...]
In the city squares she veils herself,
and stations herself in the gates of the village,
13 and there is no-one who interrupts her in [her] incessant [fornicating.]
Her eyes scan hither and yon,
and she raises her eyebrows impudently,
to spot the just man and overtake him,
14 and the important man, to trip him up.
To contort the path of the upright,
to divert the righteous chosen from its precepts,
13 to make those who rely on her, fall into ridicule,
to alter the standard of those who walk honestly.
To make the simple rebel against God,
16 to turn their steps off the paths of justice,
to lead the | . . .] into a trap,
so that they do not persist in correct paths.
17 To sidetrack man into the paths of the pit,
and seduce the sons of men with smooth words.
4QSapiential Work (4Q185)
Col. i 3 [...]...[...] 4 [. . .] pure and holy [. . .] 5 and according to his anger [. . .]
6 [...] up to ten times [...] 7 [...] And there is no strength to stand before her
or anybody who endures 8 the bitterness of her anger. [. . .] And who can en-
dure to be in front of his angels? For, like 9 burning fire will he judge [. . .] of
his spirits. But you, O sons of man, woe to you!
10 For see, (man) sprouts like grass
and his loveliness blooms like a flower.
His grace makes the wind blow over him
11 and his root shrivels,
and his leaves: the wind scatters them,
until hardly anything remains in his place,
12 and nothing but wind is found. Blank
They will look for him and not find him,
and no hope remains;
13 their days are like a shadow on the earth.
And now, please, hear me, my people!
Simpletons, pay attention to me!
14 Draw wisdom from the great power of God,
remember the miracles he performed in Egypt,
is his portents [in the lands of Ham].
And may your heart quake in front of his terror
4Q185 ii
WISDOM POEMS
381
Col. 11 / and do his wilfl. . .]
[. . .] your souls according to his good favours
and look for a path towards life,
^ a road [...]
a remnant for your sons after you.
3 Why do you give your soul to futility
[and your ...] of judgment?
Listen to me, my sons,
and do not defy the words of YHWH
4 or walk in [. . .]
[but in the road which he established for] Jacob
on the path which he commanded to Isaac.
Is a day [in his house] not better
5 [•••?]
[...] to revere him,
and not be afflicted by the trap and the net of the hunter.
6 [...] to be separated from his angels, for there is no darkness 7 [...] and his
knowledge. And you, 8 what [...?] before him shall the evil go to all people?
Blessed is the man to whom she has been given, g the son of man [.. .]
The wicked person should not brag, saying:
She has not been given to me
10 and I [shall not look for her.]
[God has given her] to Israel,
and like a good gift, gives her.
He has saved all his people,
j / but has destroyed ... [ . . . ]
Whoever glories in her will say:
he shall take possession of her
12 and she will find him
[•••]
With her there are long days,
and greasy bones,
and a happy heart.
13 Her youth [increases] favours and salvation.
[...]
Blessed the man who does it,
and does not [...]
14 and does not look for her with a fraudulent spirit,
or grow fond of her with flattery.
As it was given to their fathers
so will he inherit her.
13 [He will grow fond of her] with all force of his strength
382
POETIC TEXTS
4Q298 . 413
and with all his vigour without restraint.
And he will give her in inheritance to his descendants.
I know the struggle it takes to do good.
Col. Ill 1-10 [. . .]
77 Did not God make the heart,
and does he know [its thoughts?]
72 [God sees] all the chambers of the stomach,
and puts their kidneys to the test.
God made the tongue,
73 and knows its word.
God made hands,
[and knows their deeds.]
14 [...] good or evil [...]
[...]...[...]
V[-] [■•■]
4QCryptic A: Words of the Sage to the Sons of Dawn (4Q298)
Col. 1 7 [Wo]rds of the Sage to the Sons of Dawn: Listen to [me a]ll men of
heart 2 [and those who pur]sue justice. Understand my words and you shall be
seekers of truth. Hear my words with all 3 [strength. Pay [attention ... you
shall] know the paths of [...] life [...] 4-5 [...] ... [...]
Col. 11 7 their roots ri[se . . . into] the upper heaven 2 and into the lo[wer] abyss
[. . .] in it. 3 Consider [. . .] the dust 4 [...] God has given 5 [...] in all the globe
6 [.. .] has measured their positions 7 [. . . un]der the name S[. . .] their positions
to walk g [...] the store of knowledge 10 [...] and that which
Col. ill 7 [...] and the number of their frontiers 2 [...] so as not to be on high
3 [...] the upper heaven. And now 4 listen [...] and hear, those of you who
know. And the men 3 of intelligence [. . .] and those who seek justice, discretion
6 to contend [. . .] increase the pressure. And the men of 7 truth pursue [justice]
and love piety. Increase 8 patience. [. . . ] of the secrets of the testimony which
g interprets [. . .] with the purpose that you understand the time of to eternity
and you examine the ancient things, to know
4QSapiential Work (4Q413)
Frag. 1 7 Song [...] and he will teach you wisdom. They will understand the
paths of man and the deeds 2 of the sons of ma[n .. .] God will make man great,
he will give him in inheritance the knowledge of his truth, and in accordance
4Q416 1-2 ii
WISDOM POEMS
383
with his rejection j of all evil [. . .] he will neither hear nor see Blank And now
4 grace f. . .] the first ones and afterwards their sons, generation after generation,
as God showed.
4QSapiential Work A* (4Q416 |4QSap.Work A4])
Frag. 1 1 2 for the measurement of his pleasure [...] 3 feast after feast
[■ . ■] 4 according to his hosts [. . .] 5 and the kingdom for [. . .] 6 and according to
the lack of his hosts [...] 7 and the host of the heavens establishes [...] 8 and
through his marvels and wonders [. . .] 9 one to another, and all his commands
[. . .] 10 He passes judgment in the heavens upon every evil deed and takes plea-
sure in all the sons of truth [. . .] 11 their end, and all those who wallow in it will
tremble and shout, for the heavens [. . .] 12 the waters and the abysses will trem-
ble and all the spirits of flesh will strip naked, and the sons of the heavens [...]
13 his judgment, and all injustice will end at one go and the time of truth will
be complete, [•■•] 14 in all the periods of eternity, for he is the God of truth,
and before the centuries [. . .] 15 so that the just man may distinguish between
good and evil f. . .] all [...] 16 the inclination of the flesh, and those who under-
stand [...] 17-18 ...
Frag. 2 col. I (= 4Q417 Frag. 1) 1 [. . . he will act, for, how unique is he in every
deed,] without 2[... Do not consider the wicked as a help, nor whoever hates
. . .] without the evil of his deeds he will make them known in his visita-
tion. Walk with him . . .] Take 4 [. . .do not turn your heart aside or move far off
alone ...] in your head 5 [. . . for, what is more trivial than poverty? Do not re-
joice in your sorrow lest you become tired] in your life. Consider the mystery
of existence 6 [and take the offspring of salvation and know who will inherit
glory and injustice. Is not . . .] and for his sorrows 7 [he will have eternal happi-
ness. The contender will be at your disposal and will not have . . .] for all your
perversities. Pronounce 8 [your judgments like a just chief. Do not . . . and do
not pass] over [your failings] 9-/5 [...] 16 [... Do not lie to him; why will you
commit a sin? And also of the reproach ...] and no longer trust 17 [... his
neighbour and in your lack he will close his hand . . .] and as he takes a loan. He
knows ... 18 [ ... And if a misfortune happens to you . . . ] Do not hide from [ . . . ]
79 [Behold he will reveal . . .] ruling over him. Then they will not strike 20 [with
the stick ...] and he will stop once more. And also 21 [you ...] it will pass. If
you hasten, he will flatten you 22 [. . .] Beg your nourishment, for he
Frag. 2 col. 11 1 he opens his rewar[ds . . .] all his scarcity graciously (?) and gives
nourishment] 2 to every living creature. There is no [. . .If] he closes his hand,
the spirit [withdraws] from all 3 flesh. Do not ta[ke . . .] and before his reproach
you will cover your face, and for the folly 4 of the prison like [.. .also the money
384
POETIC TEXTS
4Q416 2 II — III
... And whoever has a debt with him, quickly] should pay it. And you, reach
an agreement with him, for the purse 5 of your treasures [. . . for your creditor
in favour of your fellow . . .] all your life with him. Pay quickly so that 6 he does
not take your purse. And in your affairs do not demean] your spirit with any
wealth. Do not embitter your holy spirit, 7 for it has no price [. . .Ma]n is not
inclined freely, seek his face and in his tongue 8 he speaks. Then you will find
your pleasure [...] do not forsake your laws and be careful in your mysteries.
g | . . .] If he entrusts you with his service, [do not rest . . . and] sleep [should not
enter] your eyes until you have fulfilled 10 [. . . | do not add. And if there is for
the hufmble ...] do not add for him; even wealth without 11 [... lest it changes
into disgrace and he falls . . .] and see, for excessive zeal 12 [of a man confuses
the heart. . .] Also, for his will, increase his service, and the wisdom of his kind-
ness 13 [...] ... and there will be for him a firstborn son. He will take pity on
you like a man on his only begotten 14 [. . . For you . . .] And do not be trusting:
why resemble him? And do not stay awake for your riches (?) 13 [. . .] Neither
depress your soul with good wealth, it is working with the wind and serving
your oppressor for nothing. 18 Do not sell your glory for money, and do not
pass it on as your inheritance, lest your body becomes impoverished. Do not
fill yourself with bread; ig and if there are no glasses, do not drink wine; and
if there is no food do not seek delicacies. (If) 20 you lack bread, do not glory in
your lack; you are poor, do not 21 despise your life. Neither should you lighten
a vessel [. . .]
Frag. 2 col. in 1 [...]... 2 and remember that you are poor. [...] and what you
need 3 you will not find. In your unfaithfulness [. . .] he has appointed for you.
4 Do not stretch out your hand lest you burn yourself and your body is con-
sumed by his fire. According to [what he t]ook, so has it been given back to
him. 5 You will rejoice if you are free of him. Nor should you take money from
a man you do not know, 6 lest you increase your poverty. If he determined your
death, you will not corrupt your spirit 7 for that. Then will you repose with
truth, and in your death he will profduce . . .] your memorial and your succes-
sion will inherit 8 the enjoyment. [If] you are poor, desire nothing except your
portion, and do not be consumed for it, lest you shift g your boundary. And if
he restores you in glory, walk in it, and investigate among its offspring about
the mystery of existence. Then you shall know' 10 its inheritance and walk in
justice, for God exalts his ... in all your paths. Give honour to those who glo-
rify you 11 and praise his name always. For from poverty he lifted your head
and seated you among the nobles. Over an inheritance 12 of glory he has given
dominion to you, always seek his will. (If) you are poor, do not say ‘I am poor
and 13 cannot seek know ledge’. Bend your shoulder to all discipline and in all
[. . .] refine your heart and in much knowledge 14 your thoughts. Investigate the
mystery of existence, consider all the paths of truth and examine all the roots
4Q417
WISDOM POEMS
385
of evil, is Then you shall know what is bitter for man and what is sweet for a
man. Honour your father in your poverty 16 and your mother in your steps, for
like grass for a man, so is his father, and like a pedestal for a man, so is his
mother. For 17 they are the oven of your origin, and just as they have dominion
over you and form the spirit, so you must serve them; and just as 18 he has
opened your ears to the mystery of existence, (so) you must honour them, for
your own glory. [. . .] honour his presence 19 for your own life and the duration
of your days. Blank And if you are poor [. . .] 20 without law. Blank If you take a
wife in your poverty, take her from the offspring of [...] 21 of the mystery of
existence. In your association walk together with the help of your flesh [...]
Frag. 2 col. iv ; his father and his mother, [. . . one of] 2 your signs will rule over
her and you [. . .] 3 will not rule over her. From the separated mother and you
[•••]•# for you for the flesh. He will separate your daughters one by one, and
your sons [.. .] 5 and you, together with the wife who reposes in your bosom,
for she is the remnant of your na[kedness ...] 6 and if another than yourself
rules over her, he will remove the boundary from his life, [...in her spirit]
7 which rules you to walk according to your will, without adding a vow or a
freewill sacrifice [. . .] 8 to change your spirit according to your will, and every
obligatory oath to offer a vow [...] 9 to violate what issues from your mouth,
and according to your will ... | . . .] 10 from your lips lifted up on your account.
Do not multiply [...] 11 your glory in your inheritance [...] 12 in your inheri-
tance, lest Blank [. . .] 13 the wife who reposes in your bosom and the reproach
[...] 14 [...] ... [...]
4QSapiential Work A‘ (4Q417 [4QSap.Work A1'])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 in every time, lest you are satisfied, and his spirit speaks in him,
lest [. . .] 2 without suitable reproach he pardons him. And what is tightly tied
[...] 3 And further, his spirit will not be consumed for he spoke in a whisper
[...] 4 and he reckons his rebuke quickly. Do not cause work through your
transgressions [...] 5 and he is just like you, for you are a prince among the
prinjces ...] 6 he will act, for, how unique he is in every deed, without [...!]
7 Blank Do not consider the wicked as a help, nor whoever hates [. . .] 8 the evil
of his deeds he will make them known in his visitation. Walk with him [...]
9 do not turn your heart aside or move far off alone [. . . in your head ...] 10 for,
what is more trivial than poverty? Do not rejoice in your sorrow lest you be-
come tired in your life. [Consider the mystery of] n existence and take the
offspring of salvation and know who will inherit glory and injustice. Is not [.. .]
12 and for his sorrows he will have eternal happiness. The contender will be at
your disposal and will not [. . .] 13 for all your perversities. Declare your judg-
ments like a just chief. Do not [...] 14 and do not pass over your failings ...
386
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4Q417 1 I-II
judgment [. . .] 13 take. Then God will see and change his wrath and pass over
your sins, for before [. . .] 16 he will not maintain everything. And who will be
just in his judgment, and without release [.. .] 17 the poor. And you, if you need
nourishment, your lack and your abundance [...] 18 Leave what grows for his
subsistence according to his desire, and you take from your inheritance, but do
not add [...] ig And if you need, do not ... from your lack, for his treasure is
not lacking [. . .] 20 his mouth everything succeeds. Eat what he offers you but
do not add [. . .] 21 [.. .] your life [. . .] If you take borrowed money from men for
your necessities, do not [...] 22 day and night, and do not give your soul rest
[...] and he will make you go back to [...] Do not lie to him; 23 why will you
commit a sin? And also of the reproach [... and no longer trust ...] his
neighbour 24 and in your lack he will close his hand. [. . . and as he takes a loan.
He knows ...] 25 And if a misfortune happens to you [... Do not hide ...]
26 behold he will reveal | . . . ruling over him. Then] 27 they will not strike with
the stick [... and he will stop] 2# once more, and also you [...]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 If you hasten, he will flatten you without [. . . Beg] 2 your nour-
ishment, for he opens his rewards [. . .] 3 all his scarcity graciously (?) and gives
nourishment to [every living creature. There is no . . .] 4 [If] he closes his hand,
the spi[rit] withdraws from all flesh. Do not ta[ke ...] 5 [... and before his
repro]ach you shall cover your fa[ce, and for the folly of the prison like . . .also
the money . . .] 6 And whoever has a debt with him, quickly should pay it. And
you, [reach an agreement with him, for the purse of your treasures [...] 7 for
your creditor in favour of your fellow .. .[all your life with him. Pay quickly so
that he does not take] 8 your purse. And in your affairs do not demean [your
spirit with any wealth. Do not embitter your holy] g [spijrit, for it has no price
[...] 10 [Man] is not inclined freely, seek his face and in his tongue he speaks.
Then you will find your pleasure [...] 11 [...] ... do not [forsake your laws and
be careful in your mysteries.. . If] 12 [he entrusts] you [with his service, do not
rest ... and sleep should not enter your eyes] 13 [until] you have fulfilled [. . . do
not add. And if there is for the humble ... do not 14 [add] for him; ev[en wealth
without . . . lest it changes into disgrace and he falls . . .] 15 [. . . and see, for ex-
cessive zeal of a man confuses the heart. ..] 16 Also, [for his wi]ll, increase [his
service, and the wisdom of his kindness ...] 17 [...] will counsel him and will
be for him [a firstborn son. He will take pity on you like a man on his only
begotten ...] 18 For you [... And do not be trusting: why resemble him? And
do not stay awake for your riches (?)] ig ... [Neither depress your soul to who-
ever does not resemble you,] but be for him [ . . . Do not strike whoever does not
have your strength lest you stumble] 21 and are humiliated excessively. Do not
magnify your soul w ith good wealth, it is] 22 working with the w ind and serving
your oppressor for nothing. Do not sell your glory for money,] 23 and do not
pass it on as your inheritance, lest your body becomes impoverished. Do not
4Q417 2 i-n
WISDOM POEMS
387
fill yourself with bread; and if there are no] 24 glasses, do not drink wine; and
if there is no fofod do not seek delicacies. (If) you lack bread,] 25 do not glory
in your lack; [you are poor, do not despise your life. Neither should you
lighten] 26 a vessel [. . .]
Frag. 2 col. 1 ?[...] you understand [. . .] 2 in the wond[erful] mysteries [. . .Teach
poverty to those who fear . ..] 3 [...] ... [... before, why will it exist and what
will exist in them? . . .] 4 [ . . .] ... [ . . .] 5 [ . . . Why were they and why will they be
in them? ...] in all [...] you shall do [...] 6 [... day and night meditate on the
mystery of existence and always investigate. Then you shall know truth and
injustice, wisdom 7 [...] ... [...] in all his paths with his visitations through all
the eternal periods, and the eternal 8 visitation. To the woman who does [...]
to all [. . .] her inclination and the rule of her deeds 10 to all ... she spreads her
understanding to every creature so that it walks 11 in the inclination of its
knowledge. And he will explain [.. .] And in the prosperity of understanding ...
the secrets of 12 his thought while they walk [perfect in all] their deeds. These
are always black and will show insight in all /j their departures. Then you shall
know e[ternal] glory [with] his wonderful mysteries and the might of his deeds.
And you, 14 understand the poverty of your deeds in the memory of tim[e, for]
the engraved decree will come and every visitation will be written, is for the
decree has been engraved by God through all [times for] the sons of Seth. And
the book of memorial is written in his presence 16 for those who keep his word.
And this is the vision of the meditation of the book of memorial: he will give
his spirit as inheritance to the weak of the people, for 17 the holy ones are
formed as a model, and he will no longer give meditation to the spirit of flesh,
for it does not differentiate between 18 good and evil according to the law of his
spirit. Blank And you, son, understand; pay attention to the mystery of existence
and know 1 9 [the inheritance of every living creature. And they will walk and
administer [. . .] 20 [. . .] between the much and the little in their foundations [. . .]
21 [. . .] in the mystery of existence [...] 22 [...] every vision of knowledge and
in every [. . .] 23 and always encourage yourself. Do not exert yourself in wick-
edness [. . .] 24 in it, it will not empty the handfuls of its inheritance [. . .] 25 for
with intelligence they will understand your secrets [. . .] 26 its foundation with
you [...] with the recompense [...] 27 They will not choose after their hearts
/and after/ their eyes [...]
Frag. 2 col. II 1-2 [. . .] 3 in the mystery of existence [. . .] 4 compassion(s) [. . .] 5 to
walk [...] 6 Bless his name [ . . . ] 7 in your happiness [ . . . ] 8 the great mercies of
God [• • •] 9 Praise God and for every plague ble[ss ...] JO it happens through his
will /and/ he understands [...] 11 he will observe all your paths 12 Do not be
deluded with the thought of an evil inclination [. . .] 77 investigate the truth. Do
not be deluded [...] 14 the intelligence of the flesh does not /command/. Do
not stray [...] 75 you will think [...] Do not say [...] 16 for [...]
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4Q418 2-8
4QSapiential Work A." (4Q418 [4QSap.Work A"])
Frag. 2 (= 4Q416 1) /[...] one to [another, and all their commandments . . .] 2 [. . .
He judges in] the heavens upon [every evil deed and takes pleasure in] all the
sons of truth . . .] 3 [. . . their end,] and all those who wa[llow in it] will tremble
and shout, [for the heavens . ..] 4 [...the waters] and the abysses will tremble
[and all the spirits of flesh] will str[ip naked, and the sons of the heavens ...]
5 [• • • his judgment, and all injustice will end at one go and [the time of truth]
will be complete [. . .] 6 [. . .] in all the periods of eternity, for he is the God of
truth [and before the centuries ...] 7, [...] so that the just man may distinguish
between good and evil [...]
Frag. 7 (= 4Q417 1 1— 11) 1 [. . .take. Then] God [will see and change his wrath and
pa[ss over your sins, for before ...] 2 [... he will not support everything. And
who will be jus]t in his judgment, and [without release ...?] 3-4 [...] 5 And if
you need, do not ... from your lack, for his treasure is not lacking ...] his
mouth 6 [everything succeeds. Eat what he offers you but do not add . . .] your
life 7 [If you take borrowed money from men for your necessities, do not ...
day and ni]ght, and do not give rest 8 [to your soul. . . and he will make you go
back to ... Do not lie to him; why will you comjmit a sin? And also 9 [of the
reproach . . . and no longer trust ... his neighbour and in] your lack he will close
10 [his hand . . . and as he takes a loan. He knows . . . And] if a misfortune hap-
pens to you 11 [ . . . Do not hide . . . behold he will reveal ...] Blank 12 [... ruling
over him.] Then they will not [strike] with the stick 13 [...] and he will stop
again, 14 [and also you . . .] If 75 [you hasten, he will flatten you without . . .] Beg
your nourishment, 16 [for he opens his rewards . . .] all their lack
Frag. 8 (= 4Q416 2 11) 7 [...If] he closes [his hand, the spirit withdraws from all
flesh. Do not take] 2 [...] and before his re[proach you shall cover your face,
and for the folly of the prison] 3 [like . . .] also the money [. . . And w hoever has
a debt with him, quickly should pay it.] 4 [And] you, rea[ch an agreement with
him, for the purse of] your treasures [... for your creditor in favour of your
fellow . . .] 5 all your life [with him. Pay quickly so that] he does not take vour
purse. And [in your affairs do not demean] 6 [your spirit with any wealth. Do
not] embitter your holy spirit, for [it has] no [price ...] 7 [... Man is not in-
clined] freely, seek his face [and in his tongue he speaks. Then] 8 [you will find
your pleasure ... do not forsake] your laws [and be careful in your mysteries.]
9 [. . . If he entrusts you with his service,] do not rest [. . . and sleep should not
enter your eyes] 10 [until you have fulfilled ... do not add. | And if there is for
the humble [...] u [do not add for him; even weal]th without [...] lest it
changes into disgrace and he falls [...] 72 [... and see, for] excessive zeal of a
man confuses the heart [...] 13 [Also, for his will, increase] his service, and the
4Q4i8g-43
WISDOM POEMS
389
wisdom of his kindness [. ..] 14 [. . . and (there) will be for him a firstborn son.
He will take pity] on you like a man [on his only begotten . . .]
Frag. 9 (= 4Q416 2 hi) 1 2 he has appointed for you. [Do not stretch out]
your hand [lest you burn yourself and your body is consumed by his fire. Ac-
cording to what] 3 he took, so [has it been given back to him. You will rejoice
if you are free of him. Nor should you take money from a man] 4 you do not
[know, lest you increase your poverty. If he determined] 5 your death, [you will
not corrupt] your spirit [for that. Then will you repose with truth,] 6 and in
your death he will produce [. . .] your memorial [and your succession will inherit
the enjoyment. If] you are poor, 7 desire nothing except [your portion, and do
not be consumed for it, lest you shift your boun]dary. And if 8 he restores you
in glory, walk in it. Blank [And investigate among its offspring about the mys-
tery of existence.] Then 9 you shall know its inheritance and walk in justice, for
God exalts [his ... in all] your paths. To those who honour you 10 ... [...] ...
12 give honour and praise his name always. For from poverty he lif[ted your
he]ad and among the nobles 13 he seated you. Over an inheritance of glory he
has given dominion to you, always seek his will. Blank 14 [If you are pojor, do
not say ‘I am poor and cannot seek knowledge’. To all discipline 15 [bend your
shoulder] and in all [...] refine your heart and in much knowledge your
thoughts. 16 | Investigate the mystery of existence, consider] all the paths of
truth and examine all the roots of evil. 1 7 [Then you shall know what is bitter
for man] and what is sweet for a man. Blank Honour your fafther in your pov-
erty and your mother] in your steps, for like grass for a man, so is his father,
19 and like a pedestal [for a man, so is his mother. For] they are the oven of
your origin, and just as they have dominion over you
Frag. 10 (= 4Q416 2 iv) 1 [and just as he has opened] your ears to the mystery of
efxistence, (so) you must honour them, for your own glory . . . honour his pres-
ence] 2 [for your own life and the duration of] your days. [And if you are poor
. . . without law.] 3-4 [. . .] 5 [. . .] one, and he will not [rule over] you [in her and
you . . .] 6 [. . . for you for] the flesh. [He will separate] your daughters one [by
one, and your sons . . . and you] 7 [together with the wife] who reposes in your
bosom, for she is the rem[nant of your nakedness . . . and if another than your-
self rules over her,] 8 [he will remove the boundary from his life. ...] in her
spirit which rules you [to walk according to your will, without adding a vow]
9 [or a freewill sacrifice ... to change your spirit] according to your will, and
[every obligatory oath to offer a vow ...] 10 [to violate what issues from your
mouth, and according to your] will ... [. . .]
Frag. 43 (= 4Q417 21) / [... in the wonderful mysteries ...] Teach poverty to
those who fear [. . .] 2 [. . .] before, why will it exist and what will exist in them?
39°
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4Q4l8 43-69
[...] 3 [...] Why were they and why will they be in them? [. . .in all . . .] 4 [.. . day]
and night meditate on the mystery of existence [and always investigate. Then
you shall know truth and injustice, wisdom] 5 [. . . in a]ll his paths with his visi-
tations [through all the eternal periods, and the eternal visitation. Then you
shall differentiate between] 6 [good and evil according to his deeds, for] God
will spread knowledge of the foundation of truth [and of the mystery of exis-
tence. To the woman who does ...] 7 [all...] her inclination and the dominion
of her deeds to [all . . .] 8 [she spreads her understanding to every creature so
that] it walks in the inclination of her knofwledge. And he will explain . . . And
in the prosperity of understanding . . .] g [the secrets of his thought while they
wa]lk [perfect in all their deeds. These are always black and will show insight
in all their departures. Then you shall know] 10 [eternal glory with his
wond]erful [mysteries] and the might [of his deeds. And you, understand the
poverty of your deeds] 11 [in the memory of time, for] the engraved dec[ree will
come] and [every visitation will be] written, [for the decree has been engraved
by God for all the times for the sons of Seth.] 12 [And the book of the memorial
is written in his presejnce for those w ho keep his wor[d. And this is the vision
of the meditation of the book of the memorial: he w ill give his inheritance to
the man with spirit] 13 [for the holy ones are formed as a model, and he w ill no]
longer [give meditation to the spirit of flesh, for it does not differentiate be-
tween good and evil according to the law of his spirit.] 14 [ Blank And you, son,
understand; pay] attention to the mystery of existence [and know the
inheritance of every living creature. And they will walk and administer . . .]
is [• ■ •] between the much and the little in their foundations . . .] 16 [. . .] in the
mystery of existence [. . .]
Frag. 55 /[...] and his soul [.. .] 2 [. . .] Blank [...] 3 his paths are dug in pain. We
will rest 4 [...] and there will be watchfulness in our hearts [...] knowledge will
trust in all our paths. Blank j [...] and they have not sought intelligence, and
wisdom] they have [not] chosen. Blank Is not the God of knowledge 6 [. ..] above
truth to understand all [. . .] intelligence? He divides between the heirs of truth
7 [...] watchfulness in [...] Are not peace and quiet 8 [...] if you do not listen
to him, for the angels of holiness [...] in the heavens 9 [...] the truth. And they
will go after all the roots of understanding and will watch over 10 [...] his
knowledge, and they will honour a man more than his fellow, and according to
his intelligence his glory will increase. 11 [...] They are like the man who is
slothful and like the son of man who is ruined. Is not 12 [... ?] But they will
inherit an eternal possession. Will you not see ?
Frag. 69 1 [...]... 2 [. . .] and you will understand [. . .] ... with 3 [...]... Do they
not walk in the truth? 4 [. . .] and in the knowledge of all their rejoicings. Blank
And now, crazy ones at heart, what is good which does not 5 [. . .? And what is]
4Q4i8 69-81
WISDOM POEMS
391
quietness which is not destruction? And what is the judgment which is un-
founded? And what will the dead sigh about f. . .] 6 ... [. . .] you were formed,
and you will return to eternal destruction, for [...] ... [...]/ The dark places
will cry out for your abundance and all will be for ever. Those who seek the
truth will rise for the judgment [. . .] 8 All the crazy at heart will be annihilated
and the sons of iniquity will be found no more, and all those who strengthen
evil will be dried up [. . .] g During your judgment, the foundations of the firm-
ament w ill cry out and deafen all 10 Blank And you, the chosen ones
of truth and the pursuers of [...] the guardians u of all knowledge, will you
say: We exert ourselves for understanding and are watchful to pursue knowl-
edge [...] in all [ ...] J2 but he does not fly for all the years of eternity? Does he
not delight in truth for ever? And knowledge [...] you will serve it and [...]
13 the heavens, whose inheritance is life eternal. Will they say: We exert our-
selves in the deeds of truth and we are weary 14 in all the periods? Do they not
walk in eternal light? [...] glory and much honour. You [...] 15 in the firm-
aments [...] the foundation of the pillars, all [...] Blank And you, sons [...]
Frag. 81 j Open the spring of your lips to bless the holy ones, and you, praise
in the eternal spring [. . .] He has separated you from all 2 spirit of the flesh; and
you, keep separate from all that he hates and keep yourselves apart from all
abomination of the soul; for he has made everything 3 and causes each man to
inherit his portion. He has destined a portion to you (and has placed) your in-
heritance among the sons of man [and over their inheritance he makes you
rule. And you, 4 in this you give him glory, when you make yourself holy for
him. When he placed you like the holy of holies [. . .] ... 5 He makes your lot
fall and glorifies you outstandingly, and he will establish you like a firstborn in
[...] 6 and he will give you my goodness. Is not his goodness for you? Always
walk in his faithfulness. [...]/ your deeds. And you, investigate his judgments
with a whole hand (?) and multiply [...]§ love him, and with <eternal> piety and
with mercy for all who keep his word. [...] 9 And you, he has opened know-
ledge for you and makes you rule over his treasure, and has determined a mea-
sure of truth [. . .] 10 they for you, and by your hand to change the wrath of the
men of his favour and to administer [...] 11 with you, before you take your
inheritance from his hand, the glory of his holy ones, and be[fore ...] 12 he
opened [...] all his holy ones and all those called by his name, [...] 13 with all
the periods, his honour and his beauty for the eter[nalj planting [. . .J 14 ... all
who will inherit the earth will walk, for in the hefavens . ..] 15 And you, under-
stand; if through the wisdom of hands he has given you dominion, [. . .] 16 ex-
tension (?) for every man who walks. And from there he will administer your
nourishment [...] 17 Understand the praised one, and by the whole hand of
your sages add [...] 18 Show your lack to all those who seek delicacies. Then
you will understand [. . .] ig Fill and be replete with the abundance of goodness
392
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and the wisdom of your hands [. . .] 20 for God has divided the inheritance [of
every living creature] and all those wise at heart understand [.. .]
Frag. 88 1 Keep yourself steady [...] 2 In your life he will fill you with abun-
dance of yea[rs ...] 3 he who guards you. Why will you change [...] 4 he will
judge iniquity and with the strength of your hands [. . ,]j- he will close his hand
in your lack [. . .] 6 to the sole of your feet. For God seeks knowledge . . .] 7 by
your hand the animals and gathers them when they suffer [...]# and in truth
will he fill up your inheritance. [...]
Frag. 103 col. 11 1 2 the workers until all [...].; bring into your bas-
kets and into your stores all [. . .] 4 it will produce, epoch after epoch, seek them;
and do not cease to [ . . . ] and do not [ . . . ] 5 for they all seek them in their epochs.
And man, according to his taste [ . . . ] will find companions of [ . . . ] 6 like a spring
of living waters which contains [. . .] Do not change your lack which [. . .] 7 lest
it be a hybrid like the mule, or like a garmfent of two materials, or] (with) wool
and with linen, or (lest) your work (be) like he who tills 8 with an ox and an ass
together, neither let your produce be like those who sow hybrids; for the seed
and harvest and the produce 9 [of the vine] are ho[ly . . .] Your wealth with your
flesh together will end your life and in your life you w ill not find
Frag. 123 col. II 1 ...[...] 2 at the entrance of the years and the departure of the
periods [. . .] 3 all that will happen in it, because it is and what it [. . .] 4 its pe-
riod, for God opens the ears. Those who understand the mystery of existence
[. . .] 5 And you, understand; in your consideration of all these things [. . . ] 6 . . .
he weighs your deeds with [. . .] 7 [. . .] he governs you. He observes much [. . .]
*[•■■]
Frag. 126 col. 11 1 [. . .] None of his armies will rest [. . .] 2 [. . .] in truth. In the
hand of every lovable man [...] j [...] ... the truth. And with the scales of jus-
tice God measures all [. . .] 4 he separates them in truth. He positions them and
examines their delights [. . .] 5 and hides all. Neither will they exist without his
approval ...[...] 6 judgment to carry out vengeance on all the evildoers and the
visitation [...] 7 to confine the wicked for ever and to lift up the head of the
weak [. . .] 8 with eternal glory and perpetual peace, and the spirit of life to sepa-
rate [. . .] 9 all the sons of life, and with the power of God and the abundance
of his glory, with his goodness [...] 10 and in his faithfulness. They will bow
down the whole day, they will always praise his name [...] 11 Blank And you,
walk in the truth with all those who seek [. . .] 12 and in your hand is his lovable-
ness (?) and from your hamper you will seek his delight. And you, [. . .] 13 and
if he does not stretch out his hand to your lack, and your lack ... [. . .] i4 [. . .]
and he will not place some of his delight, for God [. . .] 75 your hand to increase,
and the explosion of your zeal [. . .] 16 always ... [. . .]
4Q-M9 • 424
WISDOM POEMS
393
Frag. 127 ; [...] from your spring, and you will not find what you need, and
your soul will languish for every goodness until death [. . .] 2 [. . .] all day. And
your soul will wish to approach his gates, and will cover the tomb [...] j [...].. .
and it will be a tooth for food and a flame for heat against [. . .] 4 [. . .] pleasure
and the oppressors in his behaviour. And you also [. . .] 5 for yourself, for God
does all his pleasure simply, and regulates them in truth [...] 6 [...] with the
balance of justice he weighs all their knowledge, and in truth [...] 7
4Q Sapiential Work b (4Q419 [4QSap.Work b])
Frag. 1 1 which you will do in accordance w ith all the precepfts . . .] 2 to you by
the hand of Moses, and what he will do [. . .] 3 by the hand of his priests, for
they are those who keep the coven|ant . . .] 4 he he will make known what [. . .]
and what [. . .] 5 [. . .] and he will choose among the descendants of Aaron [. . .]
6 his paths and to approach [the fire] which appeases [...] 7 and he will give
them ... [...] with him [. . .] 8 and they will go out [.. .] 9 the throne which rises
in splendour [ ...] ;o he lives for ever and his glory for centu[ries . . .] 11 you will
seek, and the abomination of impurity [...] 12 the love of them and they will
wallow in all [...]
4QSapiential Work c (4Q424 [4QSap.Work c])
Frag. 1 1 2 [. . .] Blank If [. . .] 3 [. . .] outside and decides to build it
and covers the wall with plaster, he also [. . .] 4 [and] from it rain will fall. Blank
If it is hidden, do not take a law, and if it is [. . .,] do not 5 enter the oven, for
like lead so w ill it melt you and it will not resist before the fire. Blank 6 In the
hands of the slothful do not place an affair, for he will not follow your orders;
and do not send him 7 to collect something, for he w ill not level off your paths.
Blank Do not trust in the collector of taxes 8 to collect money for your necessi-
ties. Blank Do not entrust the man with twisted lips 9 with your trial; certainly
he will distort with his lips, he will not be favourable to the truth [...] 10 with
the fruit of his lips. Blank Do not entrust wealth to the avaricious man [...]
11 and he adjusts what remains to you to your pleasure [...] ... [...]« and in
the time of harvest he is found (to be) a hypocrite. Blank The impatient person
[. . .] 13 the simple, for certainly he will consume them. Blank The man [. . .]
Frag. 2 ?[■•■] from the spring of judgment ... [. ..] 2 [.. .] Do not mortgage it in
the midst of the poor [...] 3 [...] likewise the pigeon. Blank The man [...] 4 [.. .]
... Do not [. . .] 5 [...] he will do [...]
Frag. 3 7 and he will not do his work in proportion to his weight. The man who
judges before investigating is like he who believes before [examining.] 2 Do not
394
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4Q52!
place him to govern those who pursue knowledge, because he does not under-
stand their judgments to justify the just man and condemn [the wicked;] 3 he
too will be despised. Blank Do not send the man with tearful eyes to observe the
upright [...] 4 Do not send the hard of hearing to investigate the judgment, for
he will not weigh up the men’s dispute. Like he who winnows in the wind
[grain] 5 which does not separate out, so is he who speaks to an ear which does
not listen or he who recites to the sleepyhead, to one who is asleep in spirit [ . . .]
6 Do not send the man with a coarse heart to differentiate thoughts, for the
wisdom of his heart is hidden and will not rule [. . .] 7 and he will not find the
knowledge from their hands. Blank The prudent man will receive knowledge.]
Blank The WTseman will obtain wisdom. Blank 8 The upright man will take plea-
sure in judgment. Blank The man [. . .] Blank The brave man will be zealous for
[...] 9 [he] will be the master of the lawsuit with those who shift boundaries.
Blank [.. .] ... w [...] fear all who lack riches, the sons of justice [...]//[...] with
all wealth [...]
4QMessianic Apocalypse (4Q521)
Frag. 2 col. n 1 [for the heav]ens and the earth will listen to his Messiah, 2 [and
all] that is in them will not turn away from the holy precepts. 3 Be encouraged,
you who are seeking the Lord in his service! Blank 4 Will you not, perhaps, en-
counter the Lord in it, all those who hope in their heart? 5 For the Lord will
observe the devout, and call the just by name, 6 and upon the poor he w ill place
his spirit, and the faithful he will renew with his strength. 7 For he will honour
the devout upon the throne of eternal royalty, 8 freeing prisoners, giving sight
to the blind, straightening out the twisted. 9 Ever shall I cling to those who
hope. In his mercy he will jud|ge,] 10 and from no-one shall the fruit [of] good
[deeds] be delayed, 11 and the Lord will perform marvellous acts such as have
not existed, just as he safid ] 12 for he will heal the badly wounded and will make
the dead live, he will proclaim good news to the meek 13 give lavishly [to the
need]y, lead the exiled and enrich the hungry. 14 [...] and all [...]
Frag. 2 col. 11 1 1 and the law of your favour. And I will free them with [...] 2 ...
the fathers towards the sons [. . .] 3 who blesses the Lord in his approval [. . .]
4 May the earth rejoice in all the places [...] 5 for all Israel in the rejoicing of
[...] 6 and his sceptre ... [...] 7 ... [...]
Frag. 5 col. 11 1 [...] see all [that the Lord] 2 [has made: the earth] and all that is
in it, the seas [and all] 3 [they contain,] and all the reservoirs of w aters and tor-
rents. Blank 4 [. . .] those who do good before the Lord 5 [. . .] like these, the ac-
cursed. And they shall be for death, | when] 6 [he makes] the dead of his people
[ri]se. Blank 7 And we shall give thanks and announce to you the just acts of the
4Q525
WISDOM POEMS
395
Lord, who[...J 8 the de[a]d and opens [...] g-io ... [...] u and reveals [...]
12 and the bridge of the abysfs . . .] ij the accursed have coagulated [. . .] 14 and
have found the heavens [. . .] is and all the angels [. . .]
Frag. 8 ?[•••] and a wall between 2-4 [. . .] 5 [. . .] they will appear 6 [. . .] to Adam
7 [...] Jacob £[...] and all the holy utensils 9 [...] and all his anointed ones
10 [. . .] and /they will speak/ the word of the Lord and [...] 11 [. . .] to the Lord
12 [...] the eyes of
4QWisdom Text with Beatitudes (4Q525 [4QBeat])
Frag. 1 1 [. . . which he has said] with the wisdom God gave him [. . .]
2 [... in order to kn]ow wisdom and discipline, in order
j [...] in order to increase knowledge...]
Frag. 2 col. 11 1 [Blessed is the one who speaks the truth] with a pure heart,
and does not slander with his tongue.
Blessed are those who adhere to his laws,
.2 and do not adhere to perverted paths.
Blessed are those who rejoice in her.
and do not explore insane paths,
j Blessed are those who search for her with pure hands,
and do not importune her with a treacherous heart.
Blessed is the man who attains Wisdom,
4 and walks in the law of the Most High,
and dedicates his heart to her ways,
and is constrained by her discipline
and always takes pleasure in her punishments;
5 and does not forsake her in the hardship of [his] wrongs,
and in the time of anguish does not discard her,
and does not forget her [in the days of] terror,
6 and in the distress of his soul does not loathe her.
For he always thinks of her,
and in his distress he meditates on [the law,]
7 [and throughout] his [whole] life [ he thinks] of her,
[and places her] in front of his eyes
in order not to walk on paths [of evil. . . |
£[...] together,
and on her account eats away his heart [. . .]
9 [...] and with kings it shall make him s[it...]
10 with his sceptre over [. . .] brothers [. . .]
11 Blank [. . .]
396
POETIC TEXTS
4Q525 2- 10
12 [Now, sons, listen to me]
do not reject [the words of my mouth]
«[•••]■•■[...]
Frag. 2 col. hi 1 it is like her the whole day [. . .] 2 She cannot be obtained with
gold [...].} with any precious stone [...].# they stay silent before the beauty of
her face [. . .] 5 flowers, purple with [. . .] 6 scarlet, with all the clothes [. . .] 7 and
with gold and pearls [...]
Frag. 4 2 [...] in the time of n[eed...] 3 [...] of his trial [...] 4 [...] Blank [...]
5 [...of pu]rity ... [...] 6 [...Do n]ot seek her with [wic]ked heart [...] 7 [...Do
n]ot se[ek her] with arrogant heart [...Do not]
8 abandon [your inheritance to the naftions,]
or your lot to the sons of foreigners.
For, the wise [man...]
g they instruct w ith tenderness.
Those who fear God keep her paths
and walk in
to her laws,
and do not reject her reproaches.
Those who understand will acquire [...]
11 Those who walk in perfection keep away from evil
and do not reject her admonishments [...]
12 they bear him.
The skilful dig her paths, [. . .]
and in her depths, they ris[e up...]
13 they watch.
Those who love God humble themselves for her
and in her paths [. . .]
Frag. 7 col. 11 1 . . .and for the zeal of. ..[...] 2 so that he may not understand. Of
the spirit ... 7 of knowledge; of the spirit which circumcises [. . . ] 4 he blesses;
and whoever stumbles and does not [. . .] 5 certain; and whoever seeks and does
not [. . .] 6 pride, and arrogance of heafrt. . .]
Frags. 8-9 1 ... the lament and the sorrow [. . .] 2 Blank [. . .] 3 Pay attention to me,
all the sons of £,„ .] 4 [. . .] humility and uprightness ... [. . .] 5 and he loves the
enemy and does not justify all flesh [. . .] 6 If you are good, it will go well with
you [...] you will return [.. .] 7 all [...] knowledge [...]
Frag. 10 1 [...] the creature, lest [...] 2 [...] of the fate of the spirit [...] 3 [...]
(the) judgment. On the pit [...] 4 [...] ... [...]
4Q525 12-i6
WISDOM POEMS
397
Frag. 12 /[...] abundance of peace [with] all the blessings [. . .] 2 [. . .] ... glory
for all those who cling to me [...] 3 [.. .] perfect in all the paths, and to ... [.. .]
4[...] and with the whole spirit [...]
Frag. 13 / [.. .] and the sons of . . . [...] 2 [...] in the evils of the eye [...] 3 [...] ...
to shed blood ... [...]./[...] you will inherit pride and in entrails [...] 5 [.. .] all
her inheritance [...] 6 [... Li]sten to me, all [...]
Frag. 14 col. 11 1 2 upon the throne of evil and upon the heights [. . .]
3 [...] they will praise your head [...] 4 [...] before your word and [ ] 5 in full
glory and she desires [. . .] 6 drawn near in your paths. You will not hesitate [. . .]
/ you will be blessed. At the time of your staggering you will meet [...] 8 and
the insult of whoever hates you will not approach you [. . .] g together, and those
who hate you and those who intend to destroy you [. . .] 10 your heart, and you
will rejoice over [...] ... [...] 11 to the space of your foot, and you will walk
upon the heights off...] 12 your soul; he will free you from every evil and fear
will not enter you [...] 13 and your inheritance; he will fill your days with good-
ness, and with abundant peace [. . .] 14 you shall inherit honour, and when you
are snatched away to eternal rest they will inherit [. . .] 15 and in your teaching,
all those who know you will walk together. [. . .] 16 together they will stray, and
in your paths they will remember you, for you were [. . .] Blank [. . .] 18 And
now, understand and listen to me and apply your heart to ig grant know ledge
deep within you ... [...] meditate [...] 20 with just humility pronounce your
words; may you not give [. . .nor] 21 may you answer the words of your fellow,
so that he does not [...] you 22 and answer according to what you have heard.
Like a merchant, there rises in him the [. . . Do not] 23 utter sighs before having
heard his words [...] 24 excessively. Blank First hear his words and afterwards,
answer with [... and with] 25 patience bring them out; and in the midst of
princes, answer correctly [...] 26 with your lips, and be very careful against a
slip of the tongue [. . .] 27 lest you be condemned by your (own) lips and trapped
together with [...] 28 ... [...] indiscretion [...] from me, and ... [...]
Frag. 15 /[...] darkness [. . .] poverty and in the number [...] 2 [...] serpents [. ..]
(he) will go to him, and you will enter 3 [...] fire. And the serpent devours its
lords [...] 4 [...] in it they stand firm. Eternal curses and vipers’ venom [...]
5 [...] snake; and in him fly the demons of death; at his entrance [...] 6 [...]
darkness. Flames of sulphur are his foundation, and from 7 [...] his [...] are
shameful reproaches; his bolts are the fasts of the pit [. . .] 8 [. . .] they will not
reach the tracks of life [...] g [...] the couches [...]
Frag. 16 /[...]...[...] 2 the chiefs of [. . .] 3 those who understand stray in her
[ . . . ] 4 and the cheats [ . . . ] 5 blood .... [ . . . ] 6 with treachery and oppression [ . . . ]
398
POETIC TEXTS
4Q525 21-23
Frag. 21 /[...] darkened, and we will be abandoned...] 2 [...] those who annoy
God alwa[ys. . .] 3 [. . .] the wicked [. . .] 4 [. . .] and you choose disgrace [. . .] 5 [. . .]
in him. They get conceited and parade themselves [. . .] 6 [. . .] those saturated
with terror 7 . her source, the source of [. . .] 8 [. . .] amass wrath and with
long [. . .] g [. . .] certainly, and he becomes annoyed [. . .]
Frag. 22 1 they will seize their entrails before G[od. . .] 2 has been expelled. And
on the day decreed [. . .] 3 and to descend to the bottom of the pit, and to [. . .]
[...]... 4 in the oven of wrath. Blank For I [. . .] 5 God has commanded for the
wise men [...] 6 in their favour. From knowledge of wisdom [...] 7 to change,
lest they whisper with [...] 8 he abhors him and with insolent men [...J 9 of
justice, and like a rock for stu[mbling ...][...] w For G[od] is annoyed with me
[...]
Frag. 23 col. 11 1 [. . .] he utters words [. . .] of your people, 2 the heart. Pay atten-
tion to me and [...] 3 has established. And drink from [...] 4 my house is a
house of [. . .] s [• ■ •] my house. He dwells in [. . .] 6 for ever. And they will go up
[. . .] 7 they will collect] their harvests [...]<? he will burn it, and every thicket
[. . .] 9 a well of waters [. . .]
1Q27
OTHER COMPOSITIONS
399
5 Other Compositions
lQMysteries (1Q27 [lQMyst])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 [.. .] all [. . .] 2 [. . .] the mystery of sin
J[-]
And they do not know the future mystery,
or understand ancient matters.
4 And they do not know what is going to happen to them;
and they will not save their souls from the future mystery.
Blank
5 And for you this will be the sign /that this is going to happen./
When those born of sin are locked up,
evil will disappear in front of justice
as darkness disappears in front of light.
6 As smoke disappears, and no longer exists,
so will evil disappear for ever.
And justice will be revealed
like a sun which regulates the world.
7 And all those who curb the wonderful mysteries will no longer exist.
And knowledge will pervade the world,
and there will never be folly there.
8 This word will undoubtedly happen,
the prediction is truthful.
And by this he will show you that it is irrevocable:
9 Do not all peoples loathe sin?
And yet, they all walk about under its influence.
Does not praise of truth come from the mouth of all nations?
10 And yet, is there perhaps one lip or one tongue which persists with it?
What people would wish to be oppressed by another more powerful than itself?
11 Who would wish to be sinfully looted of its wealth?
And yet, which is the people not to oppress its neighbour?
Where is the people which has not looted another of its wealth?
12 [...] the exits [...]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 2 ... [...] for him the schemes advantageous [...]
3 ... [. . .] are for [. . .] 4 except he who does good and he who does evil. If [. . .]
5 He will have no success in anything. So all the good, his riches [. . .] 6 without
wealth, and will be sold without them paying him, because [. . .] 7 What are [. . .]
except all [. . .] 8 rest, and njo prijce will be enough for [. . .] 9 Blank [. . .] 10 To
all the peoples [...] 11 God knows all [...] 12 [...] ... [...]
400
POETIC TEXTS
4Q299 • 300
Frag. 6 1 2 he will atone for the mistakes of [...] 3 [...] for
ever before his face to atone [. . .]
Frags. 9- 10 1 Today [...] ... [...] 2 for, if [...] What is [...] j the kings of the
peoples have heard [ . . . ] in him, and like him 4 in all the judgments [ . . .] he and
[,..]5-6 ... [...]
4QMysteries<! (4Q299 ^QMyst"])
Frag. 2 col. II 7 the poor man.] 2 How will we call [.. .] and the deed
[. . .] 3 and every deed of the just man has been made [unclean. And how will we
call the man [...] 4 wise and just, for it does not suit man [. . .] and not [...] hid-
den wisdom, except 5 the wisdom of prudence. Evil [. . .] 6 the deed which he
will no longer do. For [...] 7 they fulfilled the word. And what will the mafn]
do [. . .] 8 he who rebels against the word which they fulfilled. He will erase his
name before [. . .] 9 Blank. Listen, those who support [...] w eternal and the deci-
sions about every deed. And what [...] u every mystery and place of all
thought. He does all [...] 72 He is first always. It is his name and [...] 13 [...]
thought. He opens the house of the begotten [. . .] 14 [. . .] the sons of the proof
and will give us as inheritance [. . .] 15 [. . .] every mystery and the pains of every
deed [...] 77 [...] ...[...]
4Q\1ystcrics/' (4Q300 1 4QMyst,r|)
Frag. 1 col. 11 7 [... the wizjards, learned in iniquity, speak the parable and de-
clare the divination before it is spoken. Then you shall know if you have seen;
2 and the signs of the he[avens ...] your madness, for upon you has been
marked the seal of the vision and you have not seen the eternal mysteries, and
knowledge you have not understood. 3 Then you shall say to [...] ... [...] for
you have not seen the root of the vision. And if you open the vision 4 [to you
will be] closed [. . .] all your wisdom, for to you [. . .] his name, for it is a hidden
5 wisdom. [...] there will be no [...] 6 vision [...]
Frag. 3 7 [. . . all] 2 the difference between go[od and evil . . . the mystery of iniq-
uity . . .] 3 all its wisdom. And they do not kn[ow the mystery of existence, nor
understand ancient things. And they do not know what is going to happen to
them;] 4 and they will not save their souls from the mystery of existence. And
this will be for you the sign that this is happening. When the begotten of ini-
quity are confined,] 5 wickedness will vanish before justice as [darkness]
vanishes before the light. As smoke vanishes, and no longer exists, so will]
6 [wicke]dness [vanish] for ever. And justice will be revealed like a sun [which
regulates the world. And all those who restrain the wonderful mysteries will no
longer exist.]
4Q301 • 179
OTHER COMPOSITIONS
401
4QMysteries‘ (4Q301 [ 4Q\lyst£|)
Frag. 2 1 the judgment of the mad (person) and the inheritance of the sage [. . .]
And what is the enigma for you? ... in the roots of knowledge. 2 What does the
heart honour? It is the proverb [...] proverb. What is glory for you? It is [...]
without strength and it will rule him in a rebuke without price. Who will say
4 [ . . . ?] Who among you seeks the face of the light, and the luminary [ . . . ] 5 [ . . . ]
the model of the memorial which does not [. . .] 6 [. . .] with the angels of [. . .]
7 [. . . ] those who praise [ . . .]
Frag. 3 Blank and he is glorified for the slowness of his anger
and he is great for the abundance of his fury, [and he is honoured] 5 [. . .] he in
his great mercy, and he is terrible for the shrewdness of his face. He is glorified
[. . .] 6 [. . .] and in the earth of his dominion. And God is glorified in the people
of his holy ones 7 [ . . . ] his chosen ones, and he is honoured [ . . . ] his holiness. He
is great in blessings [...]<¥[...] ...[...] in the destruction of the period of wick-
edness [. . .]
3QHymn (3Q6)
Frag. 1 /[...] all those who will rejoice [. . .][. . .] 2 [.. .] their songs will please you
3 [...] they will praise you for ever. [...]
4Q Apocryphal Lamentations A (4Q179 [4QapocrLam a])
Frag. 1 col. 1 2 [...] all our sins. 5 and loves the enemy and does not justify all
flesh [...And we can do nothing, because we have not listefned] 3 [... at the
time of] the visitation, so that all these things will happen to us in the evil of
[. . .] 4 his covenant. Blank Woe to us! 5 [. . .] It has been burned by fire and rav-
aged 6 [...] our honour, and in it there is nothing pleasant [...] 7 [...] and our
holy courtyards were 8 [. . .] ... Jerusalem, city 9 [. . . In the well [. . .] has ended
up in ruins, as a la]ir of animals and there is no [...] And her squares 10 [...]
Alas! All her palaces are desolate 11 [...] and those who used to come to the
festival are not in her. All the cities 12 [...] Our inheritance has been turned
into a desert, land which does not 13 [. . .] the sound of joy is not heard in her.
And he who is looking for 14 [. . .] for his incurable wound. All our debts 75 [...]
our transgressions [. . .] our sins.
Frag. 1 col. 11 / Woe to us, because the wrath of God has gone up [. . .] 2 and has
been defiled by the dead [. . .] 3 like a detested woman [. . .] 4 the children of her
breast. The daughter of my people is cruel [ . . .] 5 of her youth. The sons of my
people are desolate [...] 6 before the winter, when their hands are weak [...]
402
POETIC TEXTS
4Q179 . 500
7 dunghills are the lodging where they spend the night [...]<? they ask for water
and there is no-one to give it [. . .] 9 evicted w and there is no delight at
all in him. «Those who used to wear purple [. . .] 77 and jewellery of pure gold;
those who wear clothes of 12 and silk, purple and brocade [. . .] 13 The {pretty}
dainty daughters of Sion ... [. . .]
Frag. 2 1-2 3 [...] in (the) tents [...] 4 [How] lonely has the city been
left [. . .] ... [. . .] 5 [. . .] the princess of all the nations is desolate like an aban-
doned woman; all her daughters have been abandoned, 6 like a woman without
sons, like a wounded and abandoned woman. All her palaces and her sq[uares]
7 are like a barren woman, and all her paths like an imprisoned woman [. . .] like
a bitter woman, 8 and all her daughters like those mourning for {for} their
husfbands. . .] like those bereft 9 of their only sons. How Jerusalem] must weep
[... the tears will flow] down her cheek for her sons 10 [...] and her sigh
4QLiturgy (4Q409)
Col. 1 1 [...Praise and bless in the] days of the first-[fruits (?)] 2 [of the new
wheat, of the new wine and of the new oil, with the] new [offering, 3 [and bless
his holy Name. Pr]aise and bless on the days of 4 [the festival of (fire)wood,
with the offering] of (fire)wood for the sacrifice, 5 [and bless his Name. Praise
and bless] on the day of remembrance with cheering 6 [. . . and bless the Lo]rd
of all. Praise 7 [and bless. . . and bless] his holy Name 8 [. . .and ble]ss the Lord
of all. 9 [...Praise and bless] on these days 10 [...] Praise and bless and give
thanks n [...Praise and bless and] give thanks with branches of a tree
Col. 11 1 [...]...[...] 2 Praise and ble[ss . ..] 3 and rams [...] 4 in 5 when you
bu[rn . . .] 6 your creator [. . .] 7 and bless [. . .] 8 upon the altar [. . .] 9 with cheer-
ing [.. .] 70 to your God [. . .]
4QBenediction (4Q500)
7 [. . .] may your mulberry trees blossom ... [. . .] 2 [. . .] your winepress, built of
stone [...] 3 [...] at the gate of the holy height [...] 4 [...] your plantation and
the channels of your glory [ . . . ] 5 the branches of your delights [...] 6 [ ... ] ...
Blank [. . .]
4Q Apocryphal Lamentations B (4Q501)
7 [...]
Do not give our inheritance to foreigners,
or our produce to the son of a foreigner.
4Q5°i • 6qu
OTHER COMPOSITIONS
403
Remember that we are [. . .]
2 of your people
the forsaken ones of your inheritance.
Remember the sons of your covenant,
the desolate,
3 [...] the volunteers,
the wanderers, for whom there is no return,
the sorely wounded, for whom there is no cure,
4 [those bent double, with no straigjhtening up.
The wretched ones of your people have surrounded us
with their lying tongue, and they have been turned [. . .]
5 your foliage to one born of a woman.
Look and see the affront of the sons of [your people]
6 for our skin [is burning,]
indignation rules us,
on account of the tongue of the insolent.
7 [ . . . ] not [ . . . ] in your commandments.
Their posterity will not be with {among the sons of} the covenant.
8 [. . .] against them the might of your strength,
and avenge yourself on them.
9 [. . .] They have not placed you before them,
but they act the bully against the poor and needy.
5QCurses (5Q14)
1 [...] and over the seas. Also over [...] 2 [.. .] May your eyes fall out [...] 3 [.. .]
May you fall down in all the falls [...] 4 [...] May they obliterate you from
among all the [...] 5 [...] may there be little for you and may you not have
enough. Because [...]
6QAllegory of the Vine (6qii)
/[...]...[...] 2 [...] with [...] 3 [.. .] I came at the time of the grape harvest [...]
4 [. . . from mor]ning to evening [. . .{5 [. . .] the girl destroyed and destroyed the
boy [. . .] 6 [. . .] And you shall say: I have planted a vineyard, I shall guard it [.. .]
6QHymn (6qi8)
Frag. 2 /[...]...[...] 2 [.. .] eternal life and glory [...] 3 [.. .] darkness and gloom
[...] 4 [...] darkness are your inclinations [...] 5 [...] to whom lives for ever.
And may [...] be 6 [...] for glory [...] 7 [...] the son of Isaac [...] 8 [...] with
everlasting] praise [...]
404
POETIC TEXTS
6qi8 . 11Q15
8QHymn (8Q5)
Frag. 1 1 [. . .] In your Name, O Powerful One, I sow dread [. . .] 2 [. . .] this man,
who is from the sons of [. . .] 3 this [...]• And how will you reflect his light on
... [...] 4 [...] to the constellations of the heavens [...]
Frag. 2 1 2 [. . .] and the repfly . . .] 3 [. . .] yhwh. [. . .] 4 [. . .] is great
above all [. . .] 5 [. . .] the persecutions and the judgments [. . .] 6 [. . .] and all the
spirits before you [...]
tiQHymns'' (11Q15)
1 2 [...] which they will establish, and ... and you will
show...[...] 4 [...] in your rooms; in their names [...] j [•■•] his glory; and their
deeds and their grief [...] 6 [...] you created all the spirits [...]
Liturgical Texts
406
LITURGICAL TEXTS
This chapter contains a set of poetic texts which differ in some way from the
texts of the foregoing chapter in that they provide signs of having been in-
tended for liturgical use.
Both the Daily Prayers and the Festival Prayers include exact information on
the days or the feasts for which these prayers were intended. Unfortunately,
most of the copies of these works which have reached us were copied onto
papyrus and survive in an extremely fragmentary condition. Although the pre-
served fragments from each one of these compositions can be numbered in
hundreds, there are very few which provide enough text for a translation. This
is why the details in respect of the liturgical celebrations for which they were
intended, although significant, are scarce indeed.
In spite of the title (preserved on one of the fragments, suggesting a connec-
tion with the heavenly or angelic world), the Words of the Luminaries is a com-
position that is very similar to the previous two. Like them, it has actual infor-
mation on the days for which these prayers were intended. The details which
survive do not allow us to determine either the origin of these works, which
turn out to be imbued with biblical themes, or the date of composition.
Very different is the Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice , a composition which
transports us straight to the world of angels and has an undeniably mystical
character. Even so, its sectarian origin and its liturgical use within the Qumran
Community seem to be certain. The collections of blessings and curses in-
cluded here have this same clear sectarian setting. These blessings and curses
have reached us as separate works, in spite of being very like the blessings and
curses which have been included within other principal works such as 1 qS or
iqM.
The last texts included in this chapter appear to contain the remains of sepa-
rate rituals. 4Q512 comes from a purification ritual, and 4Q502 was published
as a wedding ritual. Although this is not certain, it is in any case a text intended
for a joyful celebration.
4Q5°3 1-16
DAILY PRAYERS
407
1 Daily Prayers
4QDaily Prayers" (4Q503 [4QPrQuot])
Frags. 1-6 col. in 1 And at the rising of the [sun. . .] to the vault of the heavens,
they shall bless. Starting to speak [they shall say:] 2 Blessed be the God [of
Israel. . .] Today he ren[ews . . .] 3 in the fourth [gate of light...] for us the rule
[...] 4 [,..]teen [...] the heat of the [sun...] 5 when it crosses [... with the
strength of his powerful hand [. . . peace be with you] 6 /Israel/. In the fifth [of
the month, in the] evening, they shall bless. Starting to speak, they shall say:
Blessed be the God [of Israel 7 who hides [...] before him in each unit of his
glory. And that night [...]£[...] eternal and to give him thanks. And our deliv-
erance at the beginning of [...] 9 [...] the rotations of the shining objects [...]
Today, fourteen ...] 10 [...] the light of the day. Peace be [with] you, Israel.
Blank 12 And at the ri[sing of the sun . . .] to shine on the earth, they shall bless.
And should there still (remain) 13 the number of [... ele]ven days until the
festivals of joy and the ceremonies of glo[ry.] 14 Then [that d]ay is in the fiftieth
of the gates [of light . ..] 15 the festivities of glo[ry...] in the divisions of the
night [...] 16 its resplendence will be complete [...] 17 Israel. [...] Blank [...]
18 And on the sixth of the month [in the evening, they shall bless. Starting to
speak, they shall say: Blessed be the God of] Israel [...]
Frags. 7-9 col. iv /[...] the light of day so that we may know 2 [. . .] in the sixth
gate of the light 3 [. . . And we,] the sons of your covenant, bless [your name,]
4 with all the companies of [the light . . . with] all the tongues of knowledge.
Blessed be [. . .] 5 the light. Peace [be with you, Israel ...]...[...] 6 The seventh
of the [month, in the evening, they shall bless. Starting to speak, they shall] say:
Blessed be the God of Isfrael ...] 7 justice [...] we know all these things
through [ . . . ] 8 . . . [ . . . ] Blessed be the God [of Israel . . . ]
Frags. 10-11 col. v 1 [And when] the sun [ascends] to illuminate the earth, [they
shall bless . . .] 2 [. . .] with the companies of light. Today [. . .] 3 [. . .] the ninth
day [...] 4 [...] Blank [...] 5 [The twelfth of the month, in the evening, [they
shall bless . . .] 6 [. . .] And we, his holy people, exult this night [. . .] 7 [. . .] and
with us the witnesses in the service {in the service} of the day [. . .]
Frags. 13-16 col. vi /[...] God of lights [...] 2 [...] the light, and the witnesses
[...] j [...] the light of day [ . . . ] 4 [ . . . Blessed be] your name, God of Israel, in
all [. . .] 5 [. . .] Blank [. . .] 6-7 [...]...[...] 8 [.. . holy of] holies in the heights [. . .]
9 [...] his holy name [...] 10 [...] and glory in the holy [of holies ...] 11 [...1 and
witnesses for us in the holy of holies [...] 12 [...] in the dominion of the light
of the day. Blessed [. . .] 13 [. . .] peace be with you, [Israel . . .] 14 [. . . Bles]sed be
408
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q503 21-34
the God of Israel, he who performs wonfders ...] 15 [...] the earth. And the
night [...] 16 [...] who for us adds [...] 17 all their divisions [...] 18 God of
Is[rael . . .] ig [.. ,]your holiness [. . .] 20 [. . .] in thirfteen -]«[...] twelve 22 [.. .]
Israel [...] 23 [...] Israel [...] 24 [...] your holiness [...]
Frags. 21-28 col. VII 1 [...] in the light of his glory, and gladdens us [...] 2 [.. .]
telling us [. . .] 3 [. . . holy of] holies [...]*[...] Blank [...] 5-7 5 [And
when the sun climbs to give light] to the earth, they shall bless. [Starting to
speak, they shall say: Blessed be] 9 [the God of Israel] who has chosen us from
among all the nations [...] 10 [...] for a fe[ast] of rest and of delights (?) [...]
//[... jo]yful [...] ,2 [...] the lights [...] 13 [...]...[...]... [...] first 14 [...] his
works [...] in the sky [...] He has created the evening [and the morning ...]
15 [...] his holiness [...] he thinks [...] for centuries. Blank [...] 16 [...] ... [...]
they shall bless [...] Israel, and a[ll ...] ,7 [...] holy of holies [...] we [...]
Frags. 29-32 col. vin 1 and the peace [of God be with you, Israel...] 2 The
seventeenth of the month, in the evening, they shall bless. Starting to speak,
they shall say: Blessed be the God of Israel, who] 3 has made you holy [...]
4 And the night [. . .] with [. . .] 5 ... [. . .] valuable to us. Peace [. . .] 6 [. . .] God
will bless Yeshurun [. . .] 7 [And when the sun climbs up to shine on] the earth,
they shall bless. [Starting to speak, they shall say: Blessed be the God of Israel]
<?[■■■] °f 1'ght will rejoice in [...] 9 [pr]aising your name, God of lights, who
renewed [...] 10 [. ..] gate of light. And we, in the acclamation of your glory [...]
11 [the companies of the night. The peace of God be with you, Israel at the
ascenft of the sun. . .] 12 [The] seventeenth of the month, in the evening, they
shall bless. They shall start speaking [and say: Blessed be the God of Israel]
’3 [■ - ■] to praise [. . .] 14-16 [. . .] 17 [And when the sun rises to shine on the earth,
they shall bless. Starting to speak, they shall say: Blessed be the God of Israel]
i8[... our] joy [...] ig [...] the companies of night [...] 20 [...] Today we [...]
21 [...The peace of God be with you] Israel, for all [time eternal . . . ] 22 The
eighteenth of the month in the evening they shall bless. Starting to speak, they
shall say: Blessed be the God of Israel ...] 23 [... holy of ho]lies. That night
Frags. 33-34 col. x 1 [... the] light of day 2 [,..ex]alting 3 [...] holy 4 [...] the
feasts of 5 [. . .] . . . 6 [. . .] which 7 [. . .] glory. And the night 8 [. . .] for the king-
dom of 9 [. . .] in the rotation of 10 [. . .] peace 11-13 [■ ■ •] 16 [.. . and we will] re-
main in the lot of [. . .] 17 [Peace be with you, Israel.] Blank [.. .] 18 [The twenty-
first day] of the month, in the evening, they shall bless. Starting to speak, they
shall say: [Blessed be the God of Israel] ig [. . .] and for us the night is the be-
ginning of the rule of da[rkness . . .] 20 [. . . Bless]ed be you, God of Israel, who
has established [. . .] 21 [Peace be with you, Israel,] at all moments of the night.
Blank [. . .]
4Q5°3 33-55
DAILY PRAYERS
409
Frags. 33-36 col. xi 1 When the sun rises over the ea[rth, they shall bless. Start-
ing to speak, they shall say: Blessed be you, God, who] 2 renews our joy with
the light [of day . . .] 3 ... as the day [. . .] 4 in your gladness, keeping itself [. . .]
S Peace be with you, Israel [. . .] 6 [On the twenty-]first [day of the month, in the
evening, they shall bless. Starting to speak, they shall say: Blessed] 7 be you
God, who [...] 8 ...[...] 9 ... [...] Israel [...] 10 [And when] the sun [rises] over
the [earth, they shall bless ...]«[...] Blessed be the God who [...]«[... peace]
be with you, Is[rael ...] 13-20 [...] 21 [...] sixth day 22 [... jus]tice. 23 [...]
Blessed be the God 24 [. . .] in the festival of glory.
Frags. 37-38 col. xn 1-11 [...] 12 for ever. Blank [...] 13 On the twenty-fifth day
[of the month, in the evening, they shall bless and say: Blessed be 14 the God
of all the holy ones [. . .] 15 holiness and rest for us [. . .] 16 in the lot of his do-
minion [. . .] 17-18 [. . .] 19 holy ones [. . .] 20 twentyf. . .] gate of [light . . .] 21 prais-
ing with us [. . .] 22 our glory. Peace [. . .] 23 On the twenty-sixth day [. . .] 24 . . .
[...]
Frag. 39 col. xm ?[...] ... [...] 2 [...] Because /it is the night of [...] until it
hides ... / thirteen lots of darkness [. . .] 3 [ . . . the com]panies of the evening and
the morning . . . our peace. Peace be with you, [Israel . . .]
Frags. 40-41 1 And you [...] 2 and in the rule [...] 3 the name of the God ot
[Israel. Peace be with you,] Israel, at all mom[ents of the night.] 4 And w'hen
[the sun] rises [to shine on the earth. . .] the third for [.. .] 5 our glory [...] rest
of holiness [. . .] 6 and they shall praise you [. . .] and your name will be praised
[...] 7 all the holy [ones ...] the holy ones [...] 8 the glory [...] ... [...]
Frags. 48-50 1 [...]...[...] 2 [. . . Peace be with you, Is]rael. Blank [...].; [On the
... of the month, in the evening, they shall praise. Starting to speak, they shall
say: Blessed] be the God of Israel, who 4 [...] our joy and [...] 5 [... and this
night] is the third among the fefasts of] our joy. And you [. . .] 6 [. . .] your salva-
tion. Peace be with you, Israel. Blank [...] 7 [And when the sun goes out to
sh]ine on the earth, they shall bless. Starting to speak, they shall s[ay:] Blessed
be the God of Is[rael,] 8 [the God of all the armies of the] gods, who with the
sons of justice, justifies. . .] God over all [. . .]
Frags. 51-55 1 [•••] ... [. . .] 2 [...] lots of [...] ... [.. .]j [...] explanation, thanks-
giving [. . .] for ever [. . .] 4 [...]...[.. .]5 [. . .] the [. . .]teenth of the gates of glo[ry
...] 6 [...] /the light of day. Peace be with [you, Israel.]/ [In the ... of the
month, in the evening, they shall bless. Starting to speak] they shall and say:
Blessed be the God of Is[rael. . .] 7 [...]...[...] 8 [. . .] the companies of the light
[...] 9 [...] you have taught us the praises of your glory [...] 10 [... at all] times
410
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q5°3 64
of the night. Peace be with you, [Israel.] n [...] Blank [...] 12 [...] and they shall
say: Blessed be the God of Israel [. . .] 13 [.. .] He has let us know the great plans
of his intellect [. . .] 14 [. . .] the lots of light so that we may know the signs [. . .]
15 [...]... [...] 16 [...] Blank [...] 77 [...] and they shall reply [...] ?£[...] his glory
[...] 1 9 [...] the fifth [...]
Frag. 64 7 [. . .] in the evening [...] 2 [...] our ...[...] j [...] the priesthood of
[. . .] 4 [ . . .] a sign for us, for the night of the festival of [ . . . ] 5 [ . . . ] the night, to
be /praising/ with us [ . . . ] 6 [ . . . ] Blank [...] 7 [And when the sun rises,] to shine
on the earth, they shall bless. [...]« [...] time eternal. Today [...] 9 [...] the
company of [. . .]
iQ34
FESTIVAL PRAYERS
411
2 Festival Prayers
lQFestival Prayers (1Q34 [lQPrFetes])
Frags. 1 - 2 (= 4Q509 3) /[...] the time of our peace. [ . . . For you console us from
our distress, and you gather together our exiles] 2 for the time [...] and our
scattered ones (you assemble) for the age of [. . . your mercies upon our assem-
bly, like dr[ops of water] 3 upon the earth in se[ed-time . . .] like rain upon the
[field in the time of grass ... We will sing of your wonders] 4 from generation
to generation. Blessed be the Lord who makes us rejoice [...] 5 Blank [...]
6 Prayer for the day of atonement. Remember, Lord, [...] 7 [...] ... [•••]
Frag. 3 col. I (= 4Q508 1) 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] in the lot of the just and to the
wicked in the lot of 3 [...] in their bones a disgrace for all flesh. But the just
4 [... in order to flourish, thanks to the clouds of the sky and to the produce
of the earth, in order to discriminate 3 [between the jus]t and the wicked. Of
the wicked you shall make our ransom, while for the upright 6 [you will bring
about] the destruction of all our enemies. And we, we will celebrate your name
for ever 7 [and ever,] for this is why you have created us. And this is why [we
will answer] you: Blessed 8 Blank [...] 9 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 3 col. 11 ?[...] the great light for [day]-time, [and the small one for night-
time . . .] 2 [. . . | without their laws being broken. And all of them [.. .] 3 [.. .] and
his dominion over the whole world. But the offpsring of man has not under-
stood all that you have given them as inheritance, and they have not known
you, 4 to do your word and they act more wickedly than anybody. They do not
understand your powerful strength. This is why you reject them, because you
do not like 5 sin, and the wicked person will not endure before you. However,
you have chosen a people in the period of your favour, because you have re-
membered the covenant. 6 You established them, isolating them for yourself
in order to make them holy among all the peoples. And you have renewed your
covenant with them in the vision of your glory, and in the words of 7 your holy
spirit, by the works of your hand. Your right hand has written to let them
know the regulations of glory and the everlasting deeds. <?[... You raised up]
a loyal shepherd for them [...] poor and [...]
4QFestival Prayers" (4Q507 [4QPrFetes“ ?])
Frag. 1 /...[...]...[...] 2 But we are in sin from the womb, and from the
breast, in gu[ilt . . .] 3 And while we exist, our steps are impurity [. . .]
Frag. 2 /[...] all the [...] 2 Blessed be the Lord [...] 3 Blank 4 [...] ... [...]
412
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q5°7 • 509
Frag. 3 /[...] Blessed be the Lord [...] 2 [...] everlasting generations. Amen.
Amen. [...] [...] Rem[ember, Lord, that ...]
4QFestival Prayers4 (4Q508 [4QPrFetes4])
Frag. 1 (= 1Q34 1) [... But the just ...in order to flourish, thanks to the clouds
of the sky and to the produce of] 1 [the earth, in order to discriminate] between
the just and the wicked. [The wicked] you shall make [our ransom, while for
the upright] 2 [you will complete the destruction] of all our enemies. And we,
we will celebrate your na[me for ever and ever, for this is why] 3 [you have
created us. And this is why we will answer] you: [Blessed ...]
Frag. 2 (= 1Q34 1 ?) ?[...] and you will remain in our midst [.. .] 2 [. . .Prayer for
the day of atonem]ent. Remember, Lord, the feast of your compassion and the
time of the return [...] 3 [...] for us you established a festival of fasting,
[et]ernal law [. . .] 4 [. . .] and you know secret matters and revealed matters [. . .]
5 [...] you know our inclination [...] 6 [...] our getting] up and our lying down
Frag. 3 /[...] we have acted wickedly [...] 2 [...] and for their multitude. With
Noah you established [a covenant . ..] 3 [... with Isa]ac and with Jacob your
loyalty [...] 4 [...] you have remembered the times of [...]
Frag. 13 1 [...] Lord, because in your love 2 [...] in the feasts of glory and to
make holy 3 [...] the wheat, the wine and oil
4QFestival Prayers^ (4Q509 [4QPrFetes' |)
Frags. 1-4 col. 1 (= 1Q34 1-2) 1-2 [...] ... [...] 3 [... the b]ar of the wheels [...]
4 [... in your presence we issue our compla[int . . .] to all [. . .] 5 [...] ... [. . .] in
the period of [. . .] for ever. And he has made us glad [. . .] 6 [. . .] ... [. . .] Lord,
who makes us understand [.. .] 7 [...for ever] and ever. Amen. Amen. [...] S[.. .]
Moses, and you told him [...] 9 [...] ... upon him who [...] 10 [...] (you) who
commanded [...]*?[...] your people [. . .] 12-14 [■ ■ •] is [• • ■] and his sorrow [. . .]
16 [...] the time of our peace [...] 17 [For you comfort us] from our grief, and
you assemble [our exiles for the time of ...] 18 [...] and our scattered women
you gather for [the age of . . .] ig [. . .] your favours upon our congregation like
dr[ops of water upon the earth in the season at seed-time] 20 [...] Blank [...]
21 [like rain upon] the meadow in the time of grass [...] 22 [And we, we will
sing] your wonders from generation to generation. [. . .] 23 [. . . Bless]ed (is) the
Lord, who makes us rejoice [...] 24 [...] ... [...]
4Q5°9 5-i32
DAILY PRAYERS
413
Frags. 5-7 col. 11 /[...]...[...] 2 [.. .] our blood in the period [. . .] 3 [.. .] to tell
us everything [...] 4 ...[...] You know everything [. . .] 5 You divide and utter
[. . .] all the curses [. . .] 6 in us, as you have said [...] 7 Behold, you lie down with
[...]<?[■■■] ... [...] g-14 [...] is [and] in the abysses and in every [...] 16 For,
from eternity you hate [. . .] 17 together in your presence [. . .] 18 at the end of
time [. . .] lg [the op]ponent ... [...] 20 [...] to observe [. . .] 21 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frags. 8- 13 col. 111 ?[...] the work of [...] 2-3 [. . .] ... [...] 4 [... of] our earth in
order to wave [...]j- [...] at the beginning of [...] 6 [...] much ...[...] 7 [.. .] and
we simple people [. . . ] 8 [. . .] the dominion of [. . .] g-is [. . .] 16 the exiles who
wander without [anyone making them return ...] 17 without strength, the
fallen, without anyone [to lift them up...] 18 without anyone to undertsand
them, the wounded, without anyone [to heal them. . .] ig in sin. And there is no
doctor [. . .] 20 consoling those who have stumbled in their sins [. . .Remem]ber
21 the sadness and weeping. You are the companion of prisoners [...]
Frags. 10- 16 col. IV 2 ...[...] 3 You have made [. . .] appear 4 in your [. . .] 5 and
your angels [ . . . ] 6 and your inheritance [ . . . ] 7 Lord [ . . . ] 8 Prayer for the festival
of [...] 9 [...] which [...]«> [...]...[...]«[...] all [,..]M[...]...[...]y-rf[...]
17 [. . .] in all their sorrows [. . .] 18 [. . .] take pity on his grief ig [. . .] the sadness
of our older folk and of our nobles 20 [. . .] of the youths who have mocked them
21 [. . .] they did not realise that you 22 [. . .] our wisdom [. . .] 23 [. . .] and we [. . .]
Frags. 97-98 col. 1 (= 1Q34 11) ?[...] However, man’s offspring [has not under-
stood] 2 [everything you have given them in inheritance, and they have not
known you] to do {to do] 3 [your word, and they act more wickedly than any.
They do not understand your 4 [mighty] 3 power. 4 [For this you reject them,
because you do not like] sin [and the wicked person] 5 [will not endure in front
of you. But you have chosen a people in the age of your approval] 6 [because
you remembered your covenant. You established them, isolating them for]
yourself to make them holy 7 [among all the peoples. And you have renewed]
your covenant with them in the sight of 8 [glory and in the words of your holy
spirit, for] the works of your hand. Your right (hand) has written g [to make
them know the regultions of glory and the eternal works.]
Frags. 131-132 col. 11 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [...] your glory [...] 3 [...] Amen.
A[men . . . ] 4 [. . .] Blank [ . . .] 5 [ Prayer for the day] of the first fruits. Remember,
Lord, the feast 6 [. . .] and he pleasant, free-will offerings which you have pre-
scribed 7 [. . .] to present before you the first fruits of your works 8 ... [.. .] upon
the earth to be [...] 9 [...] ... For on the day of [...] 10 ... [. . .] you have made
holy [...] 11 [...] the young of [...] 12-14 ■■■ [■••] 15 with [...] ib holy [...] 17 in
all [. . .] 18-20 ... [. . .]
4 14
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q504 I -IV
3 Words of the Luminaries
4QWords of the Luminaries" (4Q504 |4QDibHam"])
Title of the work on the reverse of Frag. 8: Words of the Luminaries.
Frags. 1-2 Col. 1 1-6 [...] 7 [...] Amen. Amen. 8 [...] your marvels g [...] of
Egypt 10 [ . . . ] the desert
Col. 11 7-5 [...] 6 [...]... [...] 7O Lord, act, then, in accordance with yourself, in
accordance with your great power. You, who did forgive 8 our fathers when
they made your mouth bitter. You became angry with them in order to destroy
them; but you took pity g on them in your love for them, and on account of
your covenant-for Moses atoned to for their sin-and so that they would know
your great power and your abundant kindness n for everlasting generations.
May your anger and your rage for all their sin turn away from your people
Israel. Remember 12 your marvels which you performed in view of the peoples,
for we have been called by your name. 13 [. . .] ... with all (our) heart and with
all (our) soul and to implant your law in our heart, 14 [so that we do not stray]
either to the right or to the left. For, you will heal us of madness, blindness and
confusion 13 [of heart. . .] For our faults were we sold, but in spite of our fail-
ings you did call us 16 [. . .] and you will free us from sinning against you. 17 [. . .]
and to make us understand the stipulations 18 [.. .] and their behaviour
Col. ill 1-2 3 Behold, all the peoples are like nothing in front of you; they
are reckoned as chaos and nothing in your presence. 4 We have invoked only
your name; for your glory you have created us; 5 you have established us as
your sons in the sight of all the peoples. For you called 6 Israel «my son, my
first-born» and have corrected us as one corrects 7 a son. You have made us
{fat} great Blank over the years of our generations <?[...] evil illnesses, famine,
thirst, plague, the sword g [. . . loyjalty of your covenant, for you chose us 10 [to
be your people amongst all] the earth. For this you have poured on us your rage
11 [and your jea]lousy with all the intensity of your anger. And he has clung to
us 12 [. . .] which Moses wrote and your servants 13 the prophets whom you
sent, so that evil would overtake us in the last 14 days. Because [. . .] 15 and our
kings, for [. . .] 16 to take our daughters [. . .] 17 and they acted pervertedly with
[...] 18 your covenant [...] 1 g the seed of Israel [...] 20 You are just for [...]
21 ...[...]
Col. IV /[...] 2 in your residence [...] rest 3 in Jerusalem [the city which you
c]hose from the whole earth 4 for your Name to be there for ever. For you
4Q5°4 iv —Vi
WORDS OF THE LUMINARIES
415
loved 5 Israel more than all the peoples. And you chose the land of 6 Judah, and
established your covenant with David so that he would be 7 like a shepherd, a
prince over your people, and would sit in front of you on the throne of Israel
8 for ever. And all the countries would see your glory, g for you have made
yourself holy in the midst of your people, Israel. And to your w great Name
they will carry their offerings: silver, gold, precious stones, 11 with all the trea-
sures of their country, to honour your people and 12 Zion, your holy city and
your wonderful house. And there was no opponent 13 or bad luck, but peace
and blessing [...] 14 And they ate and drank and were replete [...] 15 [...] ...
Col. v 1 f. . .] 2 the source of living water [. . .] j and they served a foreign
god in their land. And their land, too, 4 was sacked by their enemies; because
your rage 5 and the intensity of your anger, in a fire of your jealousy, over-
flowed to form a desert 6 with no comings or goings. But in spite of all this you
did not reject 7 the descendants of Jacob and did not hurl Israel 8 to destruc-
tion, breaking the covenant with them. For you are g a living God, you alone,
and there is no other apart from you. You remembered your covenant, 10 for
you redeemed us in the eyes of the nations and did not desert us n amongst the
nations. You did favours to your people Israel among all 12 the countries
amongst whom you had exiled them, to introduce 13 into their heart turning to
you and listening to your voice, 14 in agreement with all that you commanded
through the hand of Moses, your servant. 15 For you have poured your holy
spirit upon us, 16 to fill us with your blessings, so that we would look for you
in our anguish, 17 [and whisjper in the grief of your reproach. We are coming
into anguish, 18 [we were str]uck and tested by the anger of the oppressor; for
ig we too have wearied God by our sins, we have wearied the Rock with our
failings. 20 [But] for our profit you did [not] enslave us away from our paths, on
the path 21 [on which we were obliged to walk. But] we did not pay attention
[to your precepts.]
Col. vi 1 [. . .] 2 [. . .] You have removed from us all our failings and have purified
us 3 from our sin, for yourself. To you, to you, Lord, justice; for 4 you are the
one who has done all this. And now, on this very day 5 on which our heart has
been humbled, we atone for our sin and the sin of 6 our fathers, together with
our disloyalty and rebellion. We have not rejected 7 your trials and punish-
ments; our soul has not despised them to the point of breaking 8 your covenant,
in spite of all the anguish of our soul. For you, who sent our enemies against
us, 9 have strengthened our heart so that we can recount your mighty works to
10 everlasting generations. 10 O Lord, since you do wonders from eternity to
17 eternity, may your wrath and rage withdraw from us. Look at our [distress,]
12 our grief and our anguish, and free your people Isr[ael from all] 13 the coun-
416
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q504 VII- 5 I
tries, both near and far, [to where you have exiled us], 14 All that is written in
the book of life [...] 15 to serve you and give thanks to [...] 16 from all their
pursuers [...] 17 those who make them stumble [...] 18-ig ... [...]
Col. vii 1 2 who has freed us from all our anguish. Amen. [Amen
. . .] 3 Blank [. . .] 4 Hymns for the sabbath day. Give thanks [. . .] 5 his holy Name
for ever [. . .] 6 all the angels of the holy vault [. . .] 7 to the heavens, the earth
and all those who think [. . . the] 8 great abyss, Abaddon, the water and all that
there [is in it ...] g all its creatures, always, for centuries [eternal. Amen.
Amen.] 10 Blank [. . .] u of his holiness. Sing to God [■■■]» glory and ... [...]
Frag. 3 col. 11 (= 4Q505 124) ; [. . .] ... [. . .] 2 [. . . ] Blessed is the God who makes
us rest [...] 3 [... Amen.] Amen. Blank [.. .] 4 [.. .] Blank 5 [Prayer for the] fourth
day. Remember, Lord, [. . .] 6 [. . .] you are made holy in glory [. . .] 7 [. . .eye] to
eye have you been seen in our midst [. . .] 8 [. . .] and we have heard your holy
words [...] 9 [. . .] upon our faces so as not [. . .] 10 [... the] great [Name] of your
holiness [. . .] 11 [. . .] the earth [. . .] 12 [. . .] and so that we believe [...] 13 for ever.
And you established a covenant with us on Ho[reb . . .] 14 upon all these decrees
and precepts [ . . . ] 15 and the gofod ones . . . ] and the holy ones [ . . . ] 16 who [ . . . by
the hand of] Moses ... [...] 17 in all [...] face to face /you spoke/ to him [...]
jA’the glory [. . .] you were kind to him. And they fo[und favour in your eyes . . .]
ig [...] in his hand to our eyes [...]
Frag. 4 (= 4Q506 131- 132) 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] which you demanded [for] the
generations [. . .] 3 [. . .] the earth, and the work of all [. . . you have given to him]
4 [in the joy of his heart]. For you are the God of knowledge and all the
thoughts of [...] 5 [before you.] These things we know because you have
favoured us with a [holy] spirit. [Take pity on us] 6 [and do not] remember
[against us the sins of] the very first in all their wicked [behaviour, nor that]
7 [they were stiff]-necked. You, acquire us and forgive, [please,] our iniquity
and [our sin] 8 [...] ... the law which you commanded through the hand of
Moses [. . .] 9 [. . .] which [. . .] in all [...] w [... a kingdom of] priests and a holy
people [...] 11 [...] which you chose. Circumcise the foreskin of [our heart ...]
12 [...] ... again. Strengthen our heart to do [...] 13 [...] to walk in your paths
[...] 14 [... Blessed is] the Lord who makes us know [...] 15 [...] Amen. Amen.
Blank [...] 16 [...Blessed,] Lord, your holy name [. . .] 17 [. . .] on your account,
and by the word [. . .] ;<?[...] ... [...] ig [...] the fault [...] 20 [...] the spirit [...]
21-22 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 5 col. 1 /[...] your gifts 2 [ . . .] you have made 3 [. . .] eternal name, and to
see 4 [...] your marvels for [everlasting] generations. 5 [...] Blank [...] 6 [...] for
you in the heavens and on the earth 7 [...]... 8 [...] astray
4Q5°4 5 ii' -8
WORDS OF THE LUMINARIES
417
Frag. 5 col. 11 (= 4Q506 124) 7 their descendants among them for [...] 2 holy,
being in your presence [. . .] 3 Remember, Lord, that [.. .] 4 [...] let us celebrate
our redemption...] 5 for our faults and to seek in [...] 6 what is evil in your
eyes. You commanded [ . . . ] 7 [ . . . ] and how to your soul [. . . ] 8 [. . .] to your intel-
ligence [...]
Frag. 6 1 2 [. ..] and the fruit of thought [...] j [...] to understand
all your decrees [...] 4 [. . .] his possession, in order to understand [...]5 [■•■]
in his exploits always. [ . . . ] 6 [ . . . ] Remember, please, that we are all your people.
You have lifted us wonderfully 7 [upon the wings of] eagles and you have made
us enter to you. And like the eagle which urges its brood 8 circling over its
chicks, stretches its wings, takes it and lifts it upon [its feathers] 9 [...] we re-
main aloof and one does not count us among the nations. [...] w [...] You are
in our midst, in the column of fire and in the cloud [. . .] 11 [. . .] your holiness,
which walks in front of us, and your glory in our midst [...] 12 [...] in front of
Moses, your servant [...] 13 [...] For you [...] 14 [...] and you do not acknow-
ledge innocent [ . . . ] 75 [ . . . ] as one punishes a son [ . . . ] 16 [ . . . ] the holy ones and
the pure ones [ . . . ] 77 [ . . . ] the man and lives in them [ . . . ] 18 [ . . . ] the oath which
you [swore ...] ig [...] in your face [...] 20 [...] Blessed, Lord, [...] 21 [...] we
will examine your splendours [...] 22 [...] the spirit of every living thing [...]
Frag. 7 7 [. . .] straightening 2 [. . .] the marvels which you have done 3 [. . .] /Is-
rael/ so that the everlasting generations can tell 4 [. . .] the works of your hands
5 [. . .] for your glory 6 \ . . .] it has not been shortened 7 [. . .] is [not] impossible
for you «[...] he is 9 [...] you placed a treasure 10 [. . .] and (you) do not desert
us 77 [. . .] and in your compassion 12 [.. .] we have found 13 [.. .] which you have
forgiven 14 [...] who rebelled 75 [...] and they poured it out as a libation, and
they found you 16 [...] they did not believe 1 7 [...] they saw 18 [...] the eyes
79 [. . .] blessed
Frag. 8 7 [. . .] Remember, Lord, that [. . .] 2 [. . .] And you, he who lives for ever,
[. . .] 3 [. . .] the marvels of old and the portents [. . .] 4 [. . . to Adam,] our father,
you fashioned in the image of your glory [...]5 [... a breath of life] you blew
into his nostril, and intelligence and knowledge [...] 6 [... in the gardjen of
Eden, which you had planted. You made him govern [. . .] 7 [. . .] and so that he
would walk in a land of glory [. . .] 8 [. . .] he looked. And you imposed on him
not to turn [away...] 9 [...] he is flesh, and to dust [...] 10 [...] Blank And you,
you know [. . .] 11 [. . .] for everlasting generations [...] 72 [. . .] a living God, and
your hand [...] 13 [...] man on the paths of [...] 75 [... fill] /the earth/ with
violence and shed [innocent blood ...] 76 [...] ... [...]
418
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4Q5°5 ■ 506
4QWords of the Luminaries* (4Q505 [qQDibHam*])
Frag. 124 (= 4Q504 3 11, 11-13 and 5 n 1-2) 2 [...] the earth [...]
3 [...] and so that we believe [...] 4 [... forever.] And you with us you estab-
lished [a covenant on Horeb ...] 5 [...] ... [...] 6 [for Abraham,] for Isaac and
for Ja[cob. And you chose his descendants after them to ...] 7 holy [...,] being
in your prfesence . . .] 8 [. . .] ... [. . .]
4QWords of the Luminaries1 (4Q506 [qQDibHam'])
Frag. 124 (= 4Q504 5 11) 1 [. . .] all [. . .] 2 [You chose his descendants] after them
to [holy ..., being in your presence . ..] 3 [...] Remember, [Lord, that . ..] 4 [...
let us celeb]rate our redemption [. . . for our faults and to seek in [. . .] 5 [. . .] to
do what is evil [in your eyes. You commanded . . . ] 6 [ . . . ] ... [ . . . ]
Frags. 131-132 (4Q5°4 4) ’ [••■] ••• [•••] 2 [■■■] we [...] 3 [...] woman. [...]
4 [wo]rks of your hands. [,..]5 You gave us [...] 6 man born in [...] 7 [which
you wis]hed [for the generations . . . 1 8 [the ea]rth, and the wo[rk of all . . .to him
have you] given in the joy 9 [of his he]art. For you are the God of knowledge,
and all 10 [the tho]ughts of [. . ,]before you. These things we know, 11 [becjause
you have favoured us [with a] holy [spirit. Have pity on us /2 [and do not] re-
member [against us the sins of] our first fathers 13 [in a]ll their ev[il behaviour,
nor that they were] stiff-necked. 14 [You, acquire us and please forgive our
iniquity and] our sin.
4Q4°o
SONGS OF THF. SABBATH SACRIFICE
419
4 Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice" (4Q400 [4QShirShabb"])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 [Of the Instructor. Song for the holocaust] of the first [sabbath,]
the fourth of the first month. Praise 2 [the God of . . .,] you, the gods, among
the holy of holies; and in the divinity 3 [of his kingdom, rejoice. Because he has
established] the holy of holies among the eternal holy ones, so that for him they
can be priests 4 [who approach the temple of his kingship,] the servants of the
Presence in the sanctuary of his glory. In the assembly of all the deities 5 [of
knowledge, and in the council of all the spirits] of God, he has engraved his
ordinances for all spiritual works, and his 6 [glorious] precepts [for those who
establish] know ledge of the people of the intelligence of his glory, the gods who
approach knowledge. 7 Eternal [.. .]. And from the holy source of the sanctuar-
ies of the holy of 8 [holies. . . ] priests who approach, to serve in the presence of
the holy king of 9 [the holy ones . . .] of his glory. And they confirm each regu-
lation for the seven w [eternal counsels. Because he] set them up for himself as
the ho[lv of the holy ones, who serve in the holy of] holies. 11 [...] approached
them in the council [.. .] of the knowledge of 12 [...] holy of holies, prfiests . . .]
They are princes 13 [...] in the temples of the king. [...] in their territory and
in their inheritance 14 [. . .] They do not tolerate anyone whose path is [warped.]
There is no impurity in their holy offerings. 13 For them he has engraved ho[ly
precepts] by which all the holy ones become perpetually holy; and he purifies
the pure 16 [shining ones, so that they deal] with all those of depraved path.
And they shall appease his will, in favour of all those converted from sin.
17 [. . .] knowledge in the priests who approach, and from their mouths (come)
the teachings of all the holy ones, with the precepts of 18 [his glory...] his
favours for compassionate, eternal forgiveness, and [to destroy] in the ven-
geance of his jealousy 19 [...] He has established priests for himself, who ap-
proach the holy of holies. 20 [... God] of the divine ones, priests of the exalted
heights, who approach 21 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 your exalted kingdom [. . .] 2 the heights [. . .] the beauty of your
kingdom [...] 4 in the gates of the exalted heights [...] 5 ... spirit of all [...]
6 the holy ones of the holy of hol[ies . . .] 7 king of the gods and the seven [. . .]
8 the glory of the king. Blank [. . .] 9 glory in the council of the go[ds . . .] 10 on
the seven pathways [...] for judgments of silence [...] 12 eternal. Blank [...]
13 And they extol his glory [...] 14 king of the princes [...] 15 holy [...] 16 holy
[. . .] 17 divine beings [. . .] 18 justice. Blank [. . .] 19 priests [. . .] 20 the affections of
God [. . .] 21 to be made holy by [. . .]
Frag. 2 1 to praise your glory wondrously with the gods of knowledge, and the
420
I.ITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q4OI . 402
praises of your kingship with the holy ones of the holy o[nes.] 2 They are
honoured in all the camps of the gods and paid reverence by the councils of
men, a wonder 3 among gods and men. And they will recount the splendour of
his kingdom, according to their knowledge, and they will extol [his glory in all]
4 the heavens of his kingdom. And in all the exalted heights [they will sing]
wonderful psalms according to all [their knowledge,] 5 and they will tell [of the
splendour] of the glory of the king of the gods in the residences of their posi-
tions. Blank And [...] 6 how will he be regarded amongst them? And how will
our priesthood (be regarded) in their residences? [...] 7 ... What is the offering
of our tongue of dust (compared) with the knowledge of the divinities? 8 [...]
for our song. Let us extol the God of knowledge [. . .] g [. . .] holiness. And his
understanding is beyond all those who know [. . .] ,0 [. ..] holiness. The holiness
of the first [...] 11 [...] ton[gues of] knowledge, precepts [...] 12 [...] glory [...]
[•••]
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice* (4Q401 [4QShirShabb*])
Frags. 1-2 / Of the Instructor. So[ng of the sacrifice of the fourth sabbath, the]
twenty-[fifth of the first month.] 2 Praise God [...] ... [...] 3 and ... [...] who
are before [...] 7 the kingdom [...] with all thechfiefs ...J 5 king of the go[ds ...]
6... [...]
Frag. 14 col. 1 (= 4Q400 2, 1-2) 1-3 [...] 4 [...] its height is exalted above [...]
divine beings [. . .] 5 the chiefs of his dominion [. . . ] the heaven of the kingdom
of his glory [...] 6 to praise your glory wondrously [with all the divinities of
knowledge, and the praises of] your kingship with the holy ones of the holy
ones. 7 They are honoured in all the camps of the gods and reverfed by the
councils of men, a wonder
Frag. 14 col. II z [...]...[...] 2 his wondrous mysteries [...] j shout of jubilation
[•■-]■# they cannot [. . .] 5 [G]od fortress [. . .] 6 princes of [. . .] 7 they make their
hidden things heard [...]£ what issues from the lips of the king [. . .]
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice' (4Q402 ^QShirShabb1])
Frag. 1 z [...] in the co[ming . ..] 2 [...] when they come with the gods of 3 [...]
together with all the wonderful stipulations 4 [...] their powers to the strong
heroes 5 [...] all the councils of rebellion 6-7 [. . .]
Frag. 4 (completed from the copy of ShirShabb found in the excavations of. Masada)
1 [.. .] ... [• • •] 2 [. ..] and share out knowledge [.. .] 3 [.. . according to] his under-
standing he commanded prefcepts ...] 4 [...] being impure [...] not [...] s [...]
4Q4°3 •
SONGS OF THE SABBATH SACRIFICE
421
and it will not be [...] to the Community [...] 6 [...] who keeps his plan. And
the knowledge of the holy [of holies ...] 7 [...] the war of the gods in the
perfiod . . .] 8 [. . .] for to the God of the divinities belong the weapons of war
[ . . . ] 9 [ . . . ] the gods run to their positions, and a powerful noise [ . . . ] 10 [ . . . ] the
gods in the war of the heavens. And it will happen [...] 1 [...] new wondrous
deeds. He has done all this wondrously [with things hidden forever, and not]
12 [. . . all the words of knowledge;] because from the God of knowledge comes
all [that existed for ever. And through his knowledge] 13 [and through his deci-
sions all the predestined exist for ever.] He does the first things [in their ages
and the final (things)] 14 [in their appointed periods. And nobody, among those
who have knowledge,] can understand [his wonderful revelations] before he
[does them. And when he acts, those who apply justice cannot understand]
is [his proposals. For they are part of his glorious deeds,] before they [existed,
are part of his design.]
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice'* (4Q403 [4QShirShabb‘/|)
Col. 1 (= 4Q404 1-5; 4Q405 3-6; Masada ShirShabb) 1 [Psalm of celebration on
the tongue of the] third of the sovereign princes. He will celebrate the God of
the exalted angels seven times, with seven words of wonderful exaltations.
2 Psalm of praise, on the tongue of the fourth, to the Powerful One who is
above all [the gods] with his seven wonderful powers. He will praise the God
3 of the powers seven times, w ith seven words of [wonderful] praise. [Ps]alm
of thanksgiving on the tongue of the fifth, to the King of glory, 4 with seven
acts of wonderful thanks. [Psalm] of exultation 5 on the tongue of the sixth, to
the God of goodness, with seven [wonderful] exultations. He will exult in the
King of goodness seven times, [with seven words] of wonderful exultation.
6 Blank Psalm of singing on the tongue of the seventh of the [sovereign] princes,
a powerful song [to the God] of holiness with se[ven wonderful songs. 7 He will
have to sing to the King of holiness seven times with seven words of [wonder-
ful son]gs. Seven psalms [of his blessings.] Seven 8 psalms of glorification o[f
his justice. Seven psalms of exaltation of his kingdom. [Seven] psalms [of praise
of his glory. Seven psalms of thanksgiving for his wonders.] g [Seven psalms
of exultation in his power. Seven [psalms of song] of his holiness. [. . .] 10 [won-
derful words, words of . . . The first] among the sovereign princes will bless in
the glorious name of God al[l the... with seven wonderful words;] 11 [he will
bless all the councils] in his [holy] temple [with] seven wonderful words; [he
will bless those who know] eternal [things], [The second] 12 [among the sover-
eign princes will bless in the name] of his loyalty all the stfations with seven]
wonderful words; [he will bless] with seven wonderful words; 13 [and he will
bless all who celebrate] the King with seven wo[rds of the glory of his wonders,
all] the everlastingly pure. The th[ird] 14 [among the sovereign princes will
422
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q403 1 15-36
bless in the name] of his exalted kingship [all the exalted] ones of knowledge
with se[ven wo]rds of exaltation, and all [. . .] 75 Blank 16 [. . .] He will bless with
seven wonderful words; he will bless all [destined] for justice [with seven] won-
derful words. [The fourth] 77 among the sovereign princes will bless, in the
name of the King’s majesty, all who walk straight, with majestic words; he will
bless all who establish majesty with seven 18 [wonderful] words; he will bless
all the divinities who approach the knowledge of his loyalty with seven words
of justice for his glorious mercy. The fifth 1 g among the [sovereign] princes will
bless in the name of his [wonderful] majesty all [who know the mysteries of . . .]
purity with seven words of his exalted 20 loyalty; [he will bless] all who hasten
(to do) his w ill with seven [wonderful words; he will bless] all who acknowledge
him with seven majestic words 21 for [wonderful] thanksgiving; The sixth
among the sovereign princes will bless in the name [of the powers] of the divin-
ities all the powerful of intellect with seven 22 words of his wonderful powers;
he will bless all whose path is perfect with seven wonderful words so that they
are constantly with all those who exist 23 for ever; he will bless all who hope in
him with seven wonderful words for the return of his merciful compassion.
The seventh among the sovereign princes 24 will bless in the name of his holi-
ness all the holy ones who make the foundation of knowledge with seven words
of his wonderful holiness; he will bless all who exalt 25 his precepts with seven
wonderful words for sturdy shields; he will bless all those destined for justice
who praise his glorious kingship [. . .] for ever 26 with seven [wonderful wo]rds
[for] everlasting peace. And all the [sovereign] princes [together [will bless] the
God of the divinities in the name [of his holiness] with all 27 [their] sevenfold
[stipulations] and they will bless those destined for justice and all the blessed
[... the bl]essed for eve[r ...] 28 for him. Blessed be the Lord, the king of all,
above all blessing and pr[aise. And may he bless all the ho]ly ones who bless
him, [and proclaim him just] 29 in the name of his glory. And he will bless
those permanently blessed. Blank 30 Of the Instructor. Song of the sacrifice of
the seventh sabbath of the seventeenth of the month. Praise the God of the
august heights, you august ones among the 31 divinities of knowledge. May the
holy ones of God make holy the king of glory, who makes holy with his holi-
ness all the holy ones. The chiefs of the praises of 32 all the gods, praise the
God of magnificent praises, for in the magnificence of the praises is the glory
of his kingdom. From it come the praises of all the 33 divinities, together w ith
the splendour of all his majesty. And exalt his exaltation to the heights, gods
of the august divinities, and the divinity of his glory above 34 all the august
heights. For he is the God of the gods of all the chiefs of the heights, and king
of kings of all the eternal councils. [By the consent] 33 {of know ledge] By their
words a[ll the august divinities] exist; by what issues from their lips, all the
eternal spirits; by the will of his knowledge, all his creatures 36 in their enter-
prises. Sing with joy, those of you enjoying his knowledge, with rejoicing
4Q4°3 1 37-11 *9 songs of the sabbath sacrifice
423
among the wonderful gods. Make festival of his glory with the tongue of all
those who make a festival with knowledge, and their wonderful songs, 37 with
the mouth of all who make a feast [in him. For he is] God of all who sing {with
knowledge} for ever, and judge, in whose power are all the sprits of under-
standing. 38 Give thanks, all the divinities of majesty, to the king of majesty;
for through his glory all the divinities of knowledge proclaim, and all the spirits
of justice proclaim his truth. 39 And they make his knowledge acceptable ac-
cording to the judgment of his mouth and his proclamations, when his pow-
erful hand returns for the judgment of reward. Chant to the powerful God
40 with the chosen spiritual portion, so that it is [a melody] with the joy of God,
and celebration with all the holy ones, for a wonderful song in eternal happi-
ness. 41 You, praise with them all the foundations of the holy of] the holy ones,
the supporting columns of the highest vault, and all the corners of his building.
Sing 42 to the God who is awesome in power [all the spirits of knowledge and
of light], to exalt together the splendidly shining vault of the santuary of his
holiness. 43 [Praise him,] divine spirits, praising [for ever] and ever the main
vault of the heights, all [its beams] and walls, all its 44 shape, the work of its
construction. The spirits of the holy of the holies, the living gods, the spirits
of everlasting holiness above 45 all the holy ones [... marvellous wonder of
splendour . . . and the glory] in the most perfect light, and the knowledge 46 [. . .
in all the wonderful sanctuaries. The spirits of the gods around the residence
of the king of truth and justice. All its walls ...]
Col. 1 1 / perfect light, the mingled colours of the spirit of the holy of holies [ . . . ]
2 high places of knowledge. And at its feet [...].? the manifestation of the glori-
ous form of the chiefs of the kingdom of the spirits. [. . .] 4 [. . .] his glory. And
the gates, in all their movements (?) [...] 5 the shaft of lightning (?) [...] to
crush. The gods [. . .] 6 among them run gods in the form of embers [of fire . . .]
7 going around. The spirits of the holy of holies [. . .] 8 of the holy of holies,
spirits of the gods, eternal vision [...] 9 and the spirits of the gods, forms of
flames of fire around [...] 10 wonderful spirits. And the tabernacle of greater
height, the glory of his kingdom, the debir [...] 11 And make holy the seven
august holy ones. And the voice of the blessing of the chiefs of his debir [...]
12 And the voice of the blessing {is heard] is glorified when the gods hear it,
and the foundations of [...] 13 of the blessing. And all the decorations of the
debir hurry with wonderful hymns ... [...] 14 wonder, debir to debir, with the
sound of crowds of holy multitudes. And all their decorations [. . .] 15 And the
chariots of his debir praise together, and his cherubim and ofanim bless wonder-
fully [. . .] 16 the chiefs of the structure of the gods. And they praise him in his
holy debir. Blank [...] 17 Blank [...] 1 8 Of the Instructor. Song of the sabbath
sacrifice of the twent[y-third of the second month. Praise the God of all the
august heights, all you his] eternal [holy ones,] 19 those second among the
424
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q403 . 404
priests who approach him, the second council in the wonderful dwelling among
the seven [. . . among all those having knowledge of] 20 eternal things. And exalt
him, you chiefs of the princes with his wonderful portion. Praise [the God of
the divinities, the seven priests who approach...] 21 height, seven wonderful
territories, in the regulations of his sanctuaries, {the chiefs of the princes of the
wonderful priesthoods]} |...] 22 seven priesthoods in the wonderful sanctuary
for the seven holy counsellors [. . .] 23 the prince, the angels of the king in their
wonderful residences. And the comprehensive knowledge of the seven [... of
the] [■ ■ -] 24 chief, [...] of the priest who approaches. And the chiefs of the con-
gregation of the king in the assembly [...] 25 and exalted praises to the king of
glory, and exaltation of Go[d . . .] 26 to the God of the divinities, to the king of
purity. And the offering of their tongues [. . .] 27 seven mysteries of knowledge
in the wonderful mystery of the seven regions of the hol[y of holies . . . The
tongue of the first will be strengthened seven times with the tongue of the
second. The tongue of the second will be strengthened] 28 seven times with
(that) of the third compared to [him. The to]ngue of the third will be strength-
ened seven times [with (that) of the fourth compared to him. The tongue of the
fourth will be strengthened seven times with the tongue of the fifth compared
to him. The tongue of the fifth will be strengthened seven times with the
tongue of] 29 the sixth compared to him. The tongue [of the sixth will be
strengthened seven times with the tongue of the seventh compared to him. The
tongue of the seventh will be strengthened . . .] jo And according to the seven
wfords ...] 31 with wonderful hymns with wo[rds ... 32 wonder. Blank [Psalm
o]f blessing on [the tongue of the first ...] 33 wonder, and praise the Lord of
all the divinities. . .] 34 his wonderful choice [ . . .] for great praise [. . .] 33 to those
who make knowledge shine among all the gods of light [...] 36 of praise on
the tongue [...] 37 wonder. [Psalm of thanksgiving on the] tonfgue of the fifth
■■■] 37 thanksgiving [...] 38-48 ...[...]
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice'1 (4Q404 [4QShirShabb‘'])
Fmg. 1 (= 4Q403 1, 6-8) 1 [. . .Psalm of] song on the tonfgue of the seventh of
the sovereign princes, a powerful song [to the God] of holiness with seven
2 wond[erful songs]. He will have to sing [to the King of holiness seven times,
with seven words of wonderful songs. Seven psalms of his blessings.] 3 [Seven
ps]alms of exaltation of his justice. Seven psalms of exaltation of his king-
dom...]
Frag. 2 (= 4Q403 1, 20-28) 1 [he will bless all those who hurry (to do) his will
with seven] wonderful words; he will bless all [those who confess with seven
majestic words] 2 [for wonderful thanksgiving. The sixth among] the sovereign
princes w ill bless, in the name of the powers of the divinities, all [those power-
4Q4°4 2"5
SONGS OF THE SABBATH SACRIFICE
425
ful in intellect, with seven] 3 [words of their] wonderful [powers;] he will bless
all whose path is perfect with seven wondferful words so that they are continu-
ally with those who exist] 4 [for ever;] he will bless all who hope in him with
seven wonderful words [for the return of merciful compassion. The seventh]
5 [among the sovereign] princes will bless, in the nam[e of his holiness, all the
holy ones who form the foundation of knowledge, with seven words of his
wonderful] 6 [holiness;] he will bless all who exa[lt his precepts with seven won-
derful words for sturdy shields; he will bless all those destined 7 [for jus]tice
who praise [his glorious kingship ... for ever with seven wonderful] 8 wo[rds]
for eternal peace. [And all the sovereign princes will, together, bless the God
of the divinities in the name of his holiness] 9 [with] all their sevenfold testimo-
nies [and they will bless those destined for justice and all those blessed ...]
to [the bl]essed for ever [. . .by him. Blessed be the Lord, the king of all, above
all blessing and praise. And may he bless all] 11 [the holy ones] who bless him
[and declare him just...]
Frag. 3 (= 4Q403 1, 30-31) ?[...] ••• [•••] 2 [Of the Instructor. Song of sacrifice
of the seventh sabbath, of the sixteenth of the month. [Praise the God of the
august heights, you august ones among the] 3 [divinities of knowledge. May the
holy ones, the holy ones] of God, [make holy] the king [of glory who, with his
holiness, makes holy all his holy ones . . .]
Frag. 4 (= 4Q403 1, 35 -40) 1 [By his words] a[ll the august divinities exis]t; by
what issues from his lips, all the eternal spirits;] 2 [by the wi]ll of his knowl-
edge, [all his creatures in their enterprises. Sing with joy, those of you enjoying
his knowledge,] 3 [with rej]oicing among the [wonderful] gods. [Make festival
of his glory with the tongue of all those who make a feast] 4 [with knowledge;
their [wonderful] songs, [with the mouth of all who make a feast in him. For
he is] 5 God of all [who sing for ever, and judge in whose power are all the
spirits of understanding.] 6 Give thanks, all the divinities [of majesty, to the
king of majesty; for through his glory all] 7 [the divinities of knowledge pro-
claim, and all the spirits of justice proclaim his truth.
Frag. 5 (= 4Q403 1, 44-47) / [its form, the work of its construction.] The spirit
of the holy of the holy ones, 2 [the living gods, the spirits of] everlasting holi-
ness above 3 [all the holy ones . . .] marvellous wonder of splendour . ..4 [...] and
glory in the most perfect light, knowledge 5 [. . .] in all the wonderful sanctuar-
ies. The spirits of the gods 6 [around the residence] of the king of truth and
justice. All its walls 7 [...] of the holy [...]<? [...] the structure [...]
426
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q4°5 3-5
4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice/ (4Q405 [4QShirShabb/])
Ft-ag. 3 col. 11 (=40403 1, 11-17) 1 [he will bless] those who know eternal things.
[The second among the sovereign princes will bless, in the name of his loyalty,
all the stations with seven] 2 wonderful words; he will bless with seven [won-
derful] words; [and he will bless all who celebrate the King with seven] 3 words
of the glory of his wonders, all the everlastingly pure. [The third among the
sovereign princes will bless in the namel 4 of his exalted kingdom all the ex-
alted ones of knowledge with seven words of exaltation, and all [. . .] 5 He will
bless with seven wonderful words; he will bless all destined for justice with
sefven wonderful words. The fourth] 6 among the sovereign princes will bless
in the name of the King’s ma[jesty all who walk straight with majestic words;]
7 he will bless all who establish majesty with seven [wonderful words; he will
bless all the divinities who approach the know ledge of his loyalty] 8 with seven
words of justice for his [glorious] mercy. [The fifth among the sovereign
princes will bless in the name of his wonderful 9 [majesty] all who know the
mysteries off... purity with seven words of his exalted loyalty; he will bless all]
w who hasten (to do) his will with seven [wonderful words; he will bless all who
acknowledge him with seven] majestic [words] 11 for [wonderful] thanksgiving.
The sixth [among the sovereign princes will bless in the name of the powers of
the divinities all the powerful] 12 Blank [. . .] 13 of intellect with seven words [of
his wonderful powers; he will bless all whose path is perfect with seven won-
derful words] 14 so that they are constantly with all [those who exist for ever;
he will bless all who hope in him with seven wonderful words for the return of]
is his merciful compassion. The sefventh among the sovereign princes will
bless in the name of his holiness all the holy ones who found] 16 knowledge
with seven words [of his wonderful holiness; he will bless all who exalt his
regulations with seven wonderful words] // for sturdy shields; he will bless [all
those destined for justice who praise his glorious kingship ... for ever with
seven] 18 [wonderful wojrds for [everlasting] peace. [And all the sovereign
princes together will bless the God of the divinities in the name of his holiness]
19 with all [his] sevenfold stipulations [and they will bless those destined for
justice and all the blessed .. .]
Frags. 4-5 G4Q403 1, 33-36) / [...And exalt his exaltation] to the heights, gods
[of the august divinities, and the divinity of his glory above] 2 all the august
[heights. For he is the God of the gods of all the chi]efs of the heights, and
king [of kings of all the eternal councils. By the words] .? of his mouth a[ll the
august divinities] exifst; by what issues from his lips, all the] eternal [spirits];
by the wi[ll of his knowledge, all his creatures in their enterprises.] 4 Sing with
j[oy, those of you enjoying his knowledge, with rejoicing among the wonderful
gods. Make festival of his glory with the tongue of all] 5 those who make [a
feast. . .]
4Q4°5 6-15
SONGS OF THE SABBATH SACRIFICE
427
Frag. 6 (= 4Q403 1, 40- 45) / [...for a wonderful song] in [eternal] happiness.
2 You, praise with them all the foundations of the holy of the ho]ly ones, [the]
supporting [columns] of the highest vault, and all the corners 3 [of his building.
Sing to the God, who is awesome in power, all spirits] of knowledge and of
light, to exalt together the splendidly [shining] vault [of the sanctuary] 4 [of his
holiness. Praise him, divine spirits, praising] for ever and ever the main vault
of the heights, [ all its beams] 5 [and walls, all its form, the work of its struc-
ture.] The spirits of the holy of the holy ones, the living gods, the spirits of
[everlasting] 6 holiness [above all the holy ones ...] impressive wonder of
splendour [. . .] and the glory in the 7 [most perfect] light, [and the knowledge
. . . ] wonderful sanctuary. The spirits of God around the residence 8 [ . . . ] in the
holy of the holy ones [...] ... 9 [...] ... 10 [...] the sound of 11 [...] they shall
cause to hear
Frags. 8-9 (= 4Q403 11, 18-22) 1 [. . .Of the Instructor. Song of the sacrifice of
the] fifth sabbath [of the twenty-third of the second month.] 2 Praise the God
of all [the august heights], all [you] his [eternal] holy ones [the second among
the priests who approach him,] 3 the second council in the wonderful dwelling
among the sev[en ...] among all those having knowledge of 4 eternal things.
And exalt him you [chiefs of the princes with his wonderful portion. Praise the
God of the divinities,] the seven 5 priests who approach [. . . height, seven won-
derful territories, in the regulations of their sanctuaries, the chi]efs of the
princes 6 of the [wonderful priesthoods [...] the sanctuaries 7 [...] the
priesth|oods ...]
Frag. 1 1 (= 4Q403 11, 27-29) 1 2 [. . .] holy ones [. . .The tongue of the
first will be strengthened seven times with the tongue of the second. The
tongue] 3 of the second will be strengthened [seven times] with that of the third
compared to him. The tongue of the third will be strengthened [seven times
with (that) of the fourth compared to him. The tongue] of the fourth will be
strengthened 4 seven times with the tongue of the fifth compared to him The
tongue of the fifth will be strengthened se[ven times with the tongue of the
sixth] compared to him. The tongue of the sixth 5 will be strengthened seven
times with the tongue of the seventh compared to him. The tongue of the sev-
enth will be strengthened . . .] the sanctuary 6 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frags. 14- 15 /[...] spirit of glory [...] 2 [...] wonderful likeness of the spirit of
the holy of holies, embroidered [.. .] tongue of blessing. And the likeness 3 [of
God,] the voice of blessing for the king of those who exalt. His wonderful exal-
tation is for the God of the divinities [...] his adornment. And they sing 4 [...]
the lobbies of their entrances, spirits who approach the holy of holies [...] al-
ways. 5 [The likeness] of the living gods is engraved in the lobbies when the
428
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q405 15-22
king enters, forms of shining spirits [. . .] king, forms of glorious light, [wonder-
ful] spirits. 6 In the middle of the spirits of splendour, wonderful embroidered
work, forms of the living gods [...] in the debirim of glory, the structure 7 [of
the sanctuary of the ho]lv of holies, in the debirim of the king, forms of the
divinities. And of the likeness [ . . . ] holy of holies 8 [...]...[...] the debir of the
king [...]
Frags. 15-16 1 the fringes of the hem [...] 2 and streams of light [...] ... [...]
3 the aspect of flames of fire [...].. . above the veil of the debir of the king [. . .]
4 in the debir of his face, the embroidered [ . . .] all that is engraved [. . .] forms
of the divinities ...Jj of the glory of both sides [...] the veils of the wonderful
debirim. And they will bless [...] 6 their sides, And they will cause wonderful
[. . .] to be heard the debir [...] 7 [. . .] to the king of glory with joyful voice [...]
Frag. 17 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] wonders [...] 3 [. ..] spirits of knowledge and un-
derstanding, truth 4 [. . .of] purity, angels of glory for the power of 5 [. . .] angels
of beauty and spirits of 6 [...]... of holiness, seats of 7 [...] works of 8 [...]
glory 9 [...] ...
Frag. 18 1 [...] spirits [...] 2 [...] to sustain the holy ones. The debir [...] 3 [...]
with the serene spirit of God [. . .] 4 [...].. . they hurry to the voice of glory [. . .]
5 [...] wonderful psalms in a serene voice [...] 6 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 19 1 [...]...[...] 2 And forms of the divinities praise him, spirits of [. . .],
forms of glory, the dais (?) 3 of the wonderful debirim, spirits of the eternal
divinities. All [. . .] ol the king. The works of the spirits of the wonderful vault
are 4 intermingled purely, spirits of knowledge of the truth and of the justice
of the holy of holies, effigies of living gods, effigies of shining 5 spirits. All
their works are of holy things wonderfully interwoven [...] embroidered [...]
shapes of the figures of the divinities, engraved 6 around his glorious tiled
pavement, glorious effigies of the works [...] of splendour and majesty [...]
Living gods with all their works 7 and the images of their forms are holy angels.
Beneath the wonderful debirim , the serene sound of silence, the gods blessing
8 [...] the king [...always praise ] ...
Frags. 20-21-22 1 [they do not withdraw when they arise ...| all the priests
who approach [. . .] 2 in [the law. They re]main secure to serfve . . .] the seat of
the throne of his kingship [in the debirim of his glory. They do not sit down . . .]
3 the chariots of his glory [. . .] holy cherubim, shining ofanirn , in the de\bir . . .
spirits of gods . . . purity . . .] 4 holy. The works of its ang|les . . .] of his kingdom
[...] the glorious seats of the chariots [... wings of knowledge ... wonderful
power ...] 5 truth and eternal justice [...] the chariots of his glory when they
4Q4°5 23
SONGS OF THE SABBATH SACRIFICE
429
move [... they do not turn aside at all... they go straight...] 6 Blank Of the
Instructor. Song for the sacrifice of the] twelfth sabbath, [the twenty-first of
the third month. Praise the God of . . . ] 7 wonderful [ . . . ] and exalt him . . . the
glory in the tefnt of the God of knowledge. The cherubim lie prostrate before
him, and bless when they rise. The voice of a divine silence is heard, 8 and
their is the uproar of excitement when they raise their wings, the voice of a
divine silence. They bless the image of the throne-chariot (which is) above the
vault of the cherubim, g and they sing [the splenjdour of the shining vault
(which is) beneath the seat of his glory. And when the ofanim move forward,
the holy angels go back; they emerge among 10 the glorious wheels with the
likeness of fire, the spirits of the holy of holies. Around them, the likeness of
a stream of fire like electrum, and a luminous substance 11 with glorious
colours, wonderfully intermingled, brightly combined. The spirits of the living
gods move constantly with the glory of the wonderful chariots. 12 And (there
is) a silent voice of blessing in the uproar of their motion, and they praise the
holy one on returning to their paths. When they rise, they rise wonderfully;
13 when they settle, they are ready. The voice of glad rejoicing beomes silent
and there is a silent blessing of the gods in all the camps of the gods. And the
voice of praises 14 [ . . . ] from among ail their divisions [ . . . ] and all their enrolled
ones exult, each one in his place.
Frag. 23 col. 1 /[...] their tasks [...] 2 [. . .] when they rise [...] 3 [. ..] the throne
of the glory of his kingdom and all the assembly of whose who serve 4 [...]
wonderfully. The gods will not shudder for ever 5 [...] for they are steady in
the tasks of all, because the gods of the offering 6 [. . . ] his offering. The gods
praise when they begin to rise, and all the spirits of the pure vault 7 rejoice in
his glory. And there is a voice of blessing from all their divisions which counts
the vaults of his glory. And the gates praise 8 with jubilant voice. When the
divinities of knowledge enter through the gates of glory, and in all the depar-
tures of the holy angels to their domains, g the gates of the entrance and the
gates of the exit declare the glory of the king, blessing and praising all the spir-
its 70 of God in the exits and in the entrances through the gates of holiness.
And among them there is no-one who omits a regulation or who 11 opposes the
precepts of the king. They do not deviate from the path nor do they go far
from his territory. They do not esteem themselves above their duties 12 nor do
they demean themselves. For he will have compassion during the rule of the
severity of his obliterating wrath. He will not judge while his glorious wrath
resides. 13 The fear of the king of the gods is dreadful for all the gods. [He sent
them] on all his missions in order Blank . . . And they go 14 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frag. 23 col. 11 7 [...] the beauty of the engravings [...] 2 [...] the king, when
they serve before [. . .] 3 king, and write his glory [. . .] 4 holiness, the sanctuary
43°
LITURGICAL TEXTS
11Q17 I — II
of all [. . .] 5 their ephods; they scatter [. . .] 6 the holy ones, the approval [. . .] ...
the spirits of the holy [ones. . . ] 7 his holy ones. Blank In their wonderful posi-
tions there are spirits (with) many-coloured (clothes), like woven material en-
graved with splendid pictures. 8 In the midst of the glorious appearance of
scarlet, the colours of the light of the spirit of the holy of holies remain fixed
in their holy position before 9 the king, spirits of [pure] colours in the midst of
the appearance of the whiteness. And the substance of the spirit of glory is like
work from Ophir, which diffuses 10 light. And all their decorations are mixed
purely, like a work plaited with artistry. They are the chiefs of those wonder-
fully ordained for service, 77 the chiefs of the kingdom <of the kingdom) of the
holy ones of the holy king in all the heights of his sanctuary of the kingdom
12 of his glory. Blank In the chiefs of the offerings are the tongues of knowledge.
They bless the God of knowledge in all the works of his glory. 13 [And the
regulations] of their divisions in all their holy debirim [he engraved in] the
knowledge of his understanding and in the inelligence of his glory.
tiQSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice (11Q17 [1 tQShirShabb])
Col. I (= 4Q505 19) 7 [...] . [...] 2 [... And forms of the gods praise him, [the
spirits of . . . the fo]rms of glo[ry, the dais (?) 3 of the [wonderful] de[birim, spir-
its of the] eternal [divinities. All ... of the king.] The works [of the spirits of
the] wonderful vault are 4 intermingled purely, [spirits of knowledge of the
truth and] of justice [in the holy of holies, effigies of] living [gods, effigies of
shin]ing spirits. All 5 their wo[rks are of holy things wonderfully interwoven
...] embroidered [... shapes of the figures of the gods,] engraved around [his
glorious tiled pavement, glorious] effigies 6 of the wofrks of spelndour and
majesty. Living] gods [with all their works and the images of] their forms are
ho[ly angels.] Beneath the [wonderful deb]irim, 7 the [serene] sound [of silence,
the gods blessing ... the king ...] always pra[ise ...] 8 Blank [...] in the second
[...] 9 [...] wonderful splendour [...]
Col. 11 (= 4Q505 20-22) 7 [...] his face [...] above the august throne [...] 2 [...]
they do not withdraw when they arise [ ... all the priests who approach ...]
Blank [. . .] 3 [. . .] in the law. They remain firm to serve [. . . the seat of the throne
of his kingship] in the debirim of his glory. They do not sit down [...} 4 [the
chariots of] his glory [...] holy [cheru]bim, [shining ofanim, in the de[bir ...]
spirits of go[ds . . . ] purity [. . .] 5 [holy.] The works of its angels [. . . of his king-
dom. The [glorious] seats [of the chariots . . .] wings of knowledge [. . .] wonder-
ful power [. . .] 6 [truth and] eternal justice [. . . the chariots] of his glory [when
they move ... they do not] turn aside at all [...] they go straight [...] 7 Blank
[...] Blank [...] Blank [...] 8 [Of the Insjtructor. Song [for the sacrifice of the]
twelfth sabbath, the twenty-first of the third month. [Praise the God of ...]
11Q17 III — V
SONGS OF THE SABBATH SACRIFICE
431
g [and exa]lt him [. . . the glory in the tent of the God of knowledge. The cheru-
bim bow down before him, and] bless when they rise.
Col. hi / [...] and wonder, knowledge and understanding ...] the wonderful
vault [ . . . ] 2 [ . . . ] with light of lights, the splendour of [ . . . ] all the figures of the
wonderful spirits [...] j [...] gods, of awesome strength, all [...] his wonders
with the strength of eternal God. 8 And exalting the powerful works of the God
of [. . . ] of the four foundations of the wonderful vault 5 they proclaim with the
raised sound of the gods [...] blessing and praising the God of 6 gods. The
noise [...] the heights [ . . . ] king of glory [ . . . ] for the wonderful foundations 7 ...
[ . . . ] God of [ . . . ] and all their bases [ . . . ] the holy of 8 holies [ ... ] their wings
[. . .] their heads, g And they declare [. . .] the positions off...]
Col. iv ; [. . .] the approval [. . .] all his works [.. .] 2 [. . .] for the sacrifices of the
holy ones [...] the aroma of their offerings [...] 3 [...] and the aroma of the
libations according to the nu[mber of ...] of purity with a spirit of holiness,
4 [. . .] always, splfendour and ] majesty [. . .] wonder, and the form of the breast-
plate 5 [ . . . ] many-coloured, like [plaited] work [ . . . ] intermingled purely, of the
colour 6 [...] with forms [...] ephod 7 [...] ... [...] ...
Col. v ?[...] the heights of his [glory . . .] ... [.. .] 2 his prize in the judgments of
[.. .] his compassion with the honour [...] his stipulations.; and all the blessings
of his peace [... the glo]ry of his works and with the light [...] and with the
splendour 4 of his praise in all the vault [...] light and darkness in the figures
of [.. .] the holiness of the king of 5 glory towards all the works of his truth [. . .]
the angels of knowledge in all [...] holy proclamation 6 for the thrones of his
glory, and the footstool of [his feet, and all the ch]ariots of his majesty, and the
holy debirim [. . .] and for the entry portals 7 [of the king] with all his exits from
[. . .] the corners of the structure and for all [. . .] for the temples of his glory and
for the vaults of
432
L ITURGICAL TEXTS
1Q28 I — III
5 Blessings and Curses
lQRule of the Blessings (iQ28b [lQSb])
Col. 1 / Words of blessing. Of the Instructor. To bless those who fear [God, do]
his will, keep his commandments, 2 remain constant in his holy covenant and
walk with perfection [on all the paths of] his truth, those he has chosen for an
eternal covenant 3 which endures for ever. May [my Lord] bless you [from his
holy residence.] For 4 you may he open an eternal spring which [does not dry
up.] From the heavens may [. . .] 5 in your hand [. . .] May he bestow upon you
all the bless[ings . ..] in the congregation of the holy ones. 6 [.. .] eternal spring,
and not [withhold living waters] from the thirsty. And you, [. . .] 7 [. . .] May he
save you from all [. . .] his hate, with no survivor. 8 [. . .] every foe [. . .] of holi-
ness [. . .] g [. . .] ... [. . . ] his holiness will remain [...] 10 ... [...]
Col. 11 1 [. . .] your fathers 2 [. . .] of you. May he lift 3 [...] May he bestow upon
you and lift 4 [...] your work 5 [...] the gods. 6-2; [...] 22 [...] May the Lord
bestow upon you [. . .] 23 May he delight you with his rewards, may he bestow
upon you [...] 24 May he bestow upon you a spirit of holiness and of favour
[. . .] 25 May he bestow upon you the eternal covenant and may you rejfoice . . .]
26 May he bestow upon a just judgment [...] 27 May he show favour to you in
all your works [. . .] 28 in everlasting truth [. . .]
Col. ill ; May the Lord lift his face towards you and the ple[asant] aroma [...
and be pleased] with all the inhabitants of [. . .] 2 May he choose and visit all his
holy ones and in [...] all their descendants. May he lift 3 his face towards all
your community. May he raise [...] above your head ... 4 in [perpetual] glory
[and] make your descendants holy with eternal glory. May he lift [his face upon
. . .] 5 May he bestow up[on you . . .] May he give you eternal [ . . .] and the roy-
alty [. . .] 6 [. . .] of the flesh. And with the holy angfels . . .] 7 May he wage war
[in front of] the thousands [against] the corrupt generation [. . .] 8 [. . .] of them
all [.. .] g-16 [.. .] 17 [. . .] ... [. . .] 18 | . . .] for you | . . .] and not [.. .] ig [.. .] all the
wealth of the world, so that [...] of the spring 20 [...] he will seek it, because
God has established all its foundations 21 [. . . J (he) has established its peace for
all the everlasting centuries. 22 Blank Words of Blessing. Of the Instructor. To
bless] the sons of Zadok, the priests whom 23 God has chosen to strengthen the
covenant, for [ever, to distribute all his judgments in the midst of his people,
to teach them 24 in accordance with his commandment. They have established
[his covenant] in truth and have examined all his precepts in justice, and they
have walked in accordance with what 25 he chooses. May the Lord bless you
from [his] holy [residence]. May he set you as a glorious ornament in the midst
of 26 the holy ones. For you may he renew the covenant of [eternal] priesthood.
1Q28 IV-V
BLESSINGS AND CURSES
433
May he grant you a place [in the] holy [residence]. 27 May [he judgej all the
nobles by your works and by what issues from your lips, all the [princes of]
28 the peoples. As inheritance may he give you the first fruits of [all de]lights.
And by your hand may he bless the designs of all flesh.
Col. iv 1 He will be pleased with the tread of your feet [. . .] of man and of the
holy ones [...] 2 [...] and has been mingled with him [...] ... [...] 3 May ever-
lasting blessings be the crown of your head. [...]s~ig [...] 20 [...] to control [. . .]
27 [. . .] around him over [. . .] 22 [. . . J and has justified you from all [. . . | he has
chosen you [. . .] 23 [. . .] to raise above the heads of the holy ones, and with you
to [...] by your hand 24 the men of the council of God and not by the hand of
the prince of [. . .] one to his fellow. You shall be 25 like an angel of the face in
the holy residence for the glory of the God of the Hosts [...] You shall be
around, serving in the temple of the 26 kingdom, sharing the lot with the angels
of the face and the Council of the Community [. . .[ for eternal time and for all
the perpetual periods. For 27 [all] your judgments [are truth.] They have made
you holy among your people, like a luminary [which lights up] the world with
knowledge, and shines on the face of the Many 28 [. . .[ consecrated for the holy
of holies, because [you shall be made holy] for him and give glory to his name
and his holy things.
Col. v 2 you have separated them from [. . .] j ... [...],# those who see you[. . .]
5 and renew for you [. . .] 6 his strength upon you [. . . | 7 [...] ... [...] 8 [...] and
Lord [...] g-16 [...] 1 7 [...] may he fill your hand [...] 18 with everlasting time
and with all the perpetual periods. And your glory [. . . | not [. . .] ig God [will
put] your dread upon all who hear speak of you, and your renown [. . .] 20 Blank
Of the Instructor. To bless the prince of the congregation, who [...] 27 [...]
And he will renew the covenant of the Community for him, to establish the
kingdom of his people for ever, [to judge the poor with justice] 22 to reproach
the humble of the earth with uprightness, to walk in perfection before him on
al his paths [. . .] 23 to establish the [holy] covenant [during] the anguish of those
seeking it. May the Lord raise you to an everlasting height, like a fortified
tower upon the raised rampart. 24 May [you strike the peoples] with the power
of your mouth. With your sceptre may you lay waste Blank the earth. With the
breath of your lips 25 may you kill the wicked. [May he send upon you a spirit
of] counsel and of everlasting fortitude, a spirit Blank of knowledge and of fear
of God. May 26 your justice be the belt of [your loins, and loyalty] the belt of
your hips. May he place upon you horns of iron and horseshoes of bronze. You
will gore like a bull [... you will trample the peojples like mud of wheels. For
God has established you as a sceptre. 28 Those w ho rule [. . . all the najtions will
serve you. He will make you strong by his holy Name. 29 He w ill be like a li[on
. . .] the prey from you, with no-one to hunt it. Your steeds will scatter over
434
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q280 . 286
4QBlessings/ (4Q280 [4QBerakot^|)
1 [. . .May God keep him apart] for evil from the amongst the sons of light, [for
they turn away from following him . . .] 2 [and they will say: Accur]sed are you,
Melki-resha‘, in all the pla[ns of your guilty inclination. May] God [make you]
3 an object of dread at the hand of those exacting vengeance. May God not
favour you when you call on him. [May he lift his angry face] 4 upon you for
a curse. May there be no peace for you in the mouth of those who intercede.
[Be cursed,] without a remnant; and be damned, without salvation. And ac-
cursed be those who put into operation [their wicked plans] 6 and those who
have implanted wickedness in their hearts to plot against the covenant of God
[... and against] 7 [the wo]rds of those seeing his tru[th. And all those who
refuse to enter [his covenant . . .]
4QPurification Rules b" (4Q275 [4QTohorot b"])
Frag. 3 r and the elders with him up to [. . .] 2 and he will record in the list [. . .]
3 The Inspector [will curse ... and there will be no] 4 mercy. Cursfed be ...]
5 of his inheritance forever [...] 6 in his destructive] visitation [...]
4QBlessings" (4Q286 ^QBerakot"])
Frag. 1 col. II 1 the residence of your honour, and the footstool of the feet of
your glory in the heights of your position, and the step of 2 your holiness, and
the chariots of your glory with their multitudes and their wheels and all their
secrets, 3 foundations of fire, flames of your lamp and brilliance of honour,
luminous rays and wonderful gleams, 4 honour and majesty and sublime glory,
holy secret and place of splendour and sublime crown [...] 5 [...] store of
forces, honour of praises and greatness of fears [...] 6 and wonderful deeds,
secret of wisdom and image of knowledge and source of understanding [...]
7 holy counsel and secret of truth, store of intelligence of the sons of justice
and residence of the upright [...]<? mercies and humility of goodness, and true
mercies and eternal kindnesses, and won[derful] mysteries [. . .] g [. . .] and the
holy weeks in their measures, and the signs of the months [. . .] jo [. . .] in their
stations, and the glorious festivals in their testimonies [. . .] ?/[...] and the sab-
baths of the earth in their divisions and the festivals of release •■•]«[... and
the] perpetual [release ...] 13 [. . . l]ight and darkn]ess ...
Frag. 2 ?[•■■] and all the spirits who support the temple [...] 2 [. . . and in] their
dominion the divine brave ones with strength 3 [. . .] the zeal of judgment in the
time of 4 . . .] ... the name of your holiness 5-6 [. . .] ...
4Q286 . 287
BLESSINGS AND CURSES
435
Frag. 5 /[...] the land and all [...] that dwells in it, the earth and all its plans
2 [... and a]ll its substance [.. . and a]ll its heights, the valleys and all the tor-
rents, one earth [. . .] 3 [. . .] the precipices and the forests and all the deserts of
Horfeb (?) . . .] 4 [. . .] and its abysses, and the foundations of its mountains, the
islands [. . .] 5 [. . . J its fruits, tall trees and all the cedars of Lebafnon . . .] 6 [. . .
wine]-juice and oil and all the produce [...] 7 [...] and all the offerings of the
globe in the months [. . .] 8 [...] your word. Amen. Amen. Blank [. . .] 9 [. . .] and
waters from the springs of the abyss [. . .] 10 [. . .] all the torrents, the streams of
the precipices [...] 11 [...] ... [...] 12 [...] all its secrets [...] *?[...] ... [...]
Frag. 7 col. 1 ?[...] the lands 2 [. . .] its chosen ones 3 [. . .] and all its companions
with hymns of 4 [. . .] and blessings of truth in the epochs of [. . .] 5 [. . .] and he
who bears your kingdom in the midst of [...] 6 [... the se]cret of the gods of
purity with all those who know for ever to pr[aise . . .] 7 [. . . to bl]ess the name
of your glory for all [the centuries.] Amen. Amen. 8 [...] they will continue
blessing God [... a]ll his truth
Frag. 7 col. 11 [the men of the] / Community Council shall say, all together,
Amen. Amen. Blank And afterwards they shall damn Belial 2 and all his guilty
lot. Starting to speak, they shall say: Accursed be Belial in his plan of hostility,
3 and may he be damned in his guilty service. And cursed be all the spirits of
his lot in their wicked plans, 4 and may they be damned in their plans of foul
impurity. For (they are the lot) of darkness, and his visitation will be 5 for the
everlasting pit. Amen. Amen, Blank And cursed be the wicked [. . .] of his rule,
and damned be 6 all the sons of Belial in all the sins of their functions until
their annihilation [for ever. Amen. Amen ] Blank 7 And [cursed be . . . an]gel of
the pit and the sp[irit of destruction in all the designs of your [guilty] inclina-
tion 8 [...] and in your wicked counsel. And damned be you in the ru[le of]
9 [. . .] with all the hu[miliations of She]ol and with [...] 70[...] destruction [. . .]
by the destructive wrath of [God ...J Amen. Amen. 11 [And cursed be] all who
carry out [their ev]il [designs,] and those who implant wickedness [in their
hearts, to plot] 12 [against the covenant of] God and to [...] and to alter the
precepts [of the law] 13 [...] ... [...]
4QBlcssings/’ (4Q287 (4QBerakoti|)
Frag. 2 1 [...]...[...] its interwoven [. . .] 2 [...] ... [. . .] his honour [...] 3 [...] of
his glory, the gates of his wonders [. . .] 4 [. . . the ea]rth, the angels of fire and
the spirits of the clouds [. . .] 5 [. . . the sp]lendour, embroidery of the spirits of
the holy of ho[lies ...] 6 [...] the holy firmaments [...] 7 [...] the holy ones in
all the festivals [...] 8 [...] the holy name of your God [...] 9 [...] and all the
ho[ly] servants [...] 10 [...] in the perfection of his deeds [...] 11 [... ho[ly in the
436
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q434
palaces of his kingjship . . .] 12 [. . .] all his servants [. . .] of his honour. The an-
gels of 13 [. ..] his holiness in the residence ...] the angels of justice
Frag. 3 1 . And they will bless the name of his holiness with bless[ings . . .]
2 [. . .] all the creatures of flesh, all those whom you crejated . . .] j [. . .] the ani-
mals, the birds, the reptiles and the fish of the seas and all [. . .] 4 [. . .] you have
created all of them again [. . .]
Frag. 5 8-9 . [...] 10 [...] justice in he who befars . ..] 11 [...] all the centu-
ries. Amen. Blank [...] 12 f... chejrubim for you and the se[ed ...] 13 [...] the
families of the earth to be [...]
4QBless, Oh my Souf' (4Q434 [4QBar‘ki Napshi"])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 Bless, my soul, the Lord for all his marvels, for ever. And blessed
be his name, because he has saved the soul of the poor. And 2 the needy he has
not despised and he has not forgotten those oppressed. He has opened his eyes
upon the oppressed and has heard the cry of the orphans and has paid attention
to 3 their entreaties. In the abundance of his mercy he has favoured the needy
and has opened their eyes so that they see his paths, and their ears so that they
hear 4 his teaching. He has circumcised their hearts and has saved them by his
grace and has set their feet firm on the path. In their many sorrows he did not
forsake them, 5 and did not deliver them into the hands of violent men, nor did
he judge them with the wicked; he did not kindle his anger against them, nor
did he destroy them 6 in his wrath, although all the wrath of his anger does not
lessen, he did not judge them with the fire of his zeal. Blank 7 He judged them
with much mercy. The judgments of his eyes are to test them. And the abun-
dance of [...] he caused to return from among the peoples [...]# from the man
he saved them. He did not judge the multitude of the peoples, and in the midst
of the nations did not [...]. He hid them in [. . .] 9 and transformed in front of
them their darkness to light, their twisted places into straight ones. He revealed
to them abundance of peace and of truth. [...] w their spirits to the measure,
established his words on the scales and his uprightness like flutes. He will give
them a heart, for . . . his spirit and arose [. . .] commanded a plague against [. . .]
12 Blank And he positioned his angel in the vicinity of the children of [Israjel so
that they would not be destroyed [...] 13 from their enemies [...] his fury for
[. . .] his wrath [. . .] with them [. . .] 14 He hates [. . .] his glory [. . .] i5 [. . .] Blank
Blank 16-18 [. . .] ... [. . .]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 in evil [. . .] the distress [. . .] 2 his deeds [. . .] to them against the
sons of man, and you saved them for your sake [. . .] 3 And they worsened their
sin and the sin of their fathers, but they atoned for [ . . .] 4 the judgments, and
for your path which [...]£ again, for ... [...]
4Q436 • 6qi6
BLESSINGS AND CURSES
437
4QBless, Oh my Soul' (4Q436 [4QBar'ki Napshi1])
Frag. 1 1 knowledge to strengthen the downcast heart, and to triumph in him
over the spirit; to console those oppressed in the epoch of their anguish; and
his hand 2 will lift the fallen to make them receptacles of knowledge; and to
give knowledge to the wise and increase the instruction of the upright; to un-
derstand 3 your marvels which you did in the years preceding the years, gener-
ation after generation, eternal knowledge which 4 [. . .] before me. You preserve
your law before me, and your covenant is confirmed for me, and you
strengthen upon my heart 5 [...] to walk in your paths. You govern my heart
and you sharpen my kidneys so that I do not forget your laws. 6 [. . .] your law,
and you will open my kidneys and you will strengthen me so that I will follow
your paths 7 [...] You will place my mouth like a sharpened sword; you have
opened my tongue to the words of holiness; and you will place 8 [. . .] instruc-
tion, so that they do not meditate on the actions of the man whose lips are in
the well. You have strengthened my feet 9 [...] and by your hand you have
fortified me with days and you will send me. Blank In [. . .] 10 [. . .] you have re-
moved from me, and in its place you will put a pure heart. The evil inclination
6QBenediction (6q 16)
Frag. 1
to all 1
1 [. . . J like a sweet aroma [. .
■■■]■/ [■■•] all [■■•]
.] 2 [...] all the men of [...] 3 [..
.] penalties
Frag. 3
■■■]4[
1 [ . . . ] the covenant [.. .] 2 [. .
. . .] blessings [. . .]
.] the commandments [. . .] 3 [. . .
] of jus[tice
438
LITURGICAL TEXTS
iQ3° • 4Q392
6 Other Texts
lQLiturgical Text ? (1Q30)
Frag. 1 2 [...] the holy messiah [...] 3 [...] in the third, all [...]
4 [...] ... divided into five [...] j [...] and the remainder over four [...] 6 [...]
and its interpretation according to [. . .]
lQLiturgical Text ? (1Q31)
Frag. 1 1 [Al]l the men of the Community, the volunteers [. . .] 2 from his mouth
all the [. . .] shall drink j ... [. . .]
lQHymnic Compositions ? (1Q37)
Frag. 1 /[...] in him. Israel [. . .] 2 [. . .] who have rewarded their souls with evil
[...] 3 [...] the chosen of Israel [...]
lQHymnic Compositions ? (1Q38)
Frag. 4 1 2 [...] and those made holy [...] 3 [...] you have humiliated
me [...] 4 [...] you did all this [...]5 [...] among those sa[ved...]
lQHymnic Compositions ? (1Q39)
Frag. 1 1-2 j [...] before you all the days [...] 4 [...] and he will be
honoured [...] j [. . .] when he has searched among [...][...] by your holy spirit
[...]
4QLiturgical Work (4Q392)
Frag. 1 /[...] and of the kingdom [. . .] 2 [. . .] God to man, and not to turn away
from [. . .] 3 and their soul adheres to his covenant and [they keep] the words of
his mofuth . . .] God [. . .] the heavens 4 above and to examine the paths of the
sons of man, for whom there is no hiding-place. He created for himself dark-
ness and light; 5 and in his dwelling the light shines, and all the shades rest
before him; and he does not need to separate light 6 from darkness, for (only)
for men are light and the sun separated during the day, the moon and the stars
at night. 7 With him there is a light which cannot be inspected nor can it be
known [. . .] for it doubles all the deeds of God. We 8 are flesh, which does not
understand these things. With us [...] and dead without number 9 [... wi]nds
and lightning [...] ...
4Q4H
OTHER TEXTS
439
4QGrace after Meals (4Q434a)
Frag. 1 1 [. . .] to be consoled in the sorrow of the poor [. . .] 2 to destroy the peo-
ples and tear apart the nations and the wicked [...] renew 3 the deeds of the
heavens and of the earth, and may they rejoice and may his glory fill [all the
earth 4 he will atone and the great in goodness will console them. Good
is the [. . .] to eat 5 its fruit and its goodness. Blank [. . .] Blank 6 As a man consoles
his mother, so will he console Jerusalem . . . Like a fiance] with his fiancee 7 he
will live for e[ver . . . f]or his throne is for ever and ever and his glory [. . .] and
all the peoples 8 [. . .] and he went with him [...] desirable 9 [...] splendour [...]
10 [ . . . ] Blessed be the name of the Most High [ . . . ] Blank 1 1 Blessed be [ . . . ] his
mercy upon me 12 [. . .] for the Law which you established 13 [. . .] the book of
your laws
4QBaptismal Liturgy (4Q414)
Frag. 2 col. 1 1 [... he will reply] and will say: Blessed are you 2 [...] the pure
ones of the epoch of 3 your light [...] to atone for us 4 according to your will
[...] the pure ones in your presence 5 ... [...] in every word 6 [...] to purify
before 7 [. . .] You have made us
Frag. 2 col. 11 1 and you will purify him for your ho[ly] laws [. . .] 2 for the first,
the third and the six[th . . .] 3 in the truth of your covenant [. . .] 4 to purify from
impurity [. . .] 5 And afterwards he will enter the water [. . .] 6 And he will reply
and say: Blessed are you [. . .] 7 because what issues from your mouth [. . .] Smen
Frag. 7 col. 11 1 his cloth[es] and in the water [. . .] 2 [. . .] he will bless [. . .] 3 Israel
which [...] 4 before from all [. . .] 5 you have forsaken [. . .]
Frag. 10 / the soul [. , .] 2 he is [. . .] 3 for you as a pu[re] people [. . .] 4 And I, too,
... [. . .] 5 today, when [...] 6 in the periods of purification [...] 7 of the commu-
nity. Blank [...]# During the purifications of Israel not [...] 9 And it will happen
on the day of [. . .] 10 a woman, and she will give thanks [. . .] 11 [...]...[.. .]
Frag. 12 ; for you made the [. . .] 2 your [w]ill, to purify in your presence [. . .]
3 and he established for him a glorious regulation [...] 4 to be in purity [...]
5 and he will wash in water and he will be [pure . . .] 6 [. . .] And afterwards he
will come out of the [water ...] 7 purifying his people with the water which
washes [. . .] 8 [And he will be] the second in his position, and he will re[ply and
will say: Blessed are you . . .] 9 [. . .] your purification in the glory of [. . .] 10 [. . .]
440
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q502
4QRitual of Marriage (4Q502)
Frags. 1-3 1 [. . .] the man who acknowledges [. . .] when you add [. . .] 2 [. . .] the
law of God [...] who lacks [...] 3 [...the man] and his wife for [...] ... [...]
4 [• • •] to procreate offspring [. . .] these [. . .] 5 [. . .] which [. . .] holy ones praising
God [...] 6 [...] to be be holy [...] for him, daughter of truth and who walks
[...] 7 [...] her (female) friend who [...] for her, intelligence and knowledge in
the midst of [...] 8 [. ..] ... [...] together, to be [...] 9 [...] sufferings [...] and
atoning [...] m [...] for the sons of justice [...] on this day [...] 77 [...] ... [...]
Aaron [. . .]
Frags. 7-10 ,[. 2 [. . .] praise [. . .] 3 l ■ ■] together [...]*[.. .They shall
bless the] God of Israel, and starting to speak, they shall [say:] 5 [Blessed is the
God of Israel who . . .] the time of happiness to praise his name 6 [. . .] adults
and youths /[...] rams and he-goats [. . .] in our flocks, and reptiles 8 [. . . who
cree]p in our shadow, birds [who fly in our sky,] our land and all its produce,
9 [and al]l the fruits of the trees. And or waters [. . .] the waters of the abyss. We
all 70 [ble]ss the name of the God of Israel who[ has given us] a feast for our
happiness and also 11 [. . .] the witness of [. . .] among just adults 72 [. . .] in peace
for [. . .] I give thanks to God and celebrate 13 [. . .] brothers for me. The adults
*4 [• • •] those who bless in our midst 75 [. . .] holy [. . .] adults of perfect holiness
76 [. . .] Today I [. . .bless] the God of Israel [. . .] 7 /[...] adults of knowledge . . .]
...[...] 18 [... he has made us hap]py in the testimony ...] to be 79-20 [...] ...
Frag. 14 7-2 [-..]...[...] 3 [...] the stipulations and also [...] 4 [...] the God of
Israel who has required the sons of [...] 5 [...] your glory ,.. and the love of
your favour [. . .] 6 [. . .] sons and daughters [. . .] 7 [. . .] also [...]<?[...] Israel [. . .]
Frag. 16 (= iqS iv, 4-6 ?) 1 [. . . a spirit of knowledge in all their plans of] ac-
tion, [of zeal for the precepts of justice,] 2 [of holy plans with firm purpose, of
abundant] compassion with [all the sons of truth, of glorious purity] 3 [which
loathes all the impure idols] of modest behaviour with prudence [in everything,
of discretion about the truth of the mysteries of knowledge. These are the
counsels of the spirit] 4 [to the sons of truth] in the world. And the visitation
of all [those who walk in it will be for cure]
Frag. 19 7 and he will sit with him in the assembly of the holy on[es . . .] 2 seed
of blessing, old men and old w[omen . ..] 3 and virgins, boys and gi[rls ...]
4 together with all of us. And I, I [...] 5 And afterwards the men of [. . .] will
start speaking 6 ]...] their errors [...] 7 [...] ... [...]
4Q512
OTHER TEXTS
441
Frag. 24 1 [...] all the feasts [...]2 [...] /the man of praises./ Blessed be the God
of Israel who has helped [...] 3 [...he will exte]nd your life in the midst of an
everlasting people [...] 4 [...] and she will take a place in the assembly of old
men and old wom[en . . . ] 5 [ . . . ] your days in peace [ . . . ] 6 [ . . . ] in the midst of the
el[ders ...]
4QRitual of Purification (4Q512)
Frag. 39 col. 11 1 expiations. And I, I will praise your na[me ...] 2 because you
have purified me and brought me into [. . .]
Frags. 36-38 col. in 1 [...] his clothes [...] 2 [...] all the tongues [...] 3 [...] to
you the counsel of me[n . ..] 4 [...] Blank ? [...]j [...] ... [...] 6 [...] of all the im-
purity of our flesh [. . .]
Frags. 33 and 35 col. iv /[...] for the feast of the sabbath, on the sabbaths of all
the weeks of [...] 2 and four feasts of 3 [...] the feast of the harvest
/and of summer/ and the feast of the s[tart of the] month [. . .] 4 [•••] Blank [. . .]
5 [. . .] in water [. . .] to make holy 6 [...].. . [He will bless.] He will start speaking-
land say: May you be blessed . . .] 7 [. . .] by your compassion . . .] ...<?[...] and
I [...] ... 9 [...] in the impurfity ...] ... 10 [...] the purification [...] 12 [...]
...[...]
Frag. 34 col. v 1 [...]...[...] 2 [...] in the midst of his people [...] 3 [...] to ask
mercy for all my hidden fault [...] 4 [...] who are just in all your works [...]
5 [ . . . ] from the impure disease [ . . . ] because [ . . . ]
Frags. 29-32 col. vn 2 [...] Blessed be you, [God of Israel] 2 [...] holy people
[...] 3 [...] the mistake [...] 4 [...] in water [...] 5 [...] And there he will bless
[...] 6 [...] before you in the feast of [...] 7 [...] for purity [...]<¥ [...] and his
burnt offering. And he will bless. He will start speaking and say: May you be
blessed, [God of Israel, who] 9 [forgave me all] my faults and purified me from
impure immodesty /and atoned/ so that I can enter 10 [...] the purification.
And the blood of the burnt offering of your approval and the pleasant memory
[...] 11 [...] the holy incense and the pleasant aroma and your approval [...]
22-/7 [• • •] • • • [•••] /<? [••■] my sin [...] 29 [.. .] justice [. . .] 20 [. . .] leave without
punishment until the judgment [...] Israel who[...]22 [.. .Blessed] may you be,
God of Is[rael . . .] for the expiations [. . .]
Frags. 10-11 col. x /[...] his impure flux [...] 2-4 [...]...[...] 5 [And when] the
seven days of his purification have been completed...] 6 [. . .] he will purify his
clothes with water [and wash his body. . .] 7 And he will cover himself with his
clothes and bless on [. . .] 5 God of Israel [. . .]
442
LITURGICAL TEXTS
4Q512
Frags. 7-9 col. XI 1 All these thin[gs ...] 2 in the purification of her fl[ux ...]
purity of flesh [ . . .] j to eat and to dr[ink ... in their cities of residence, 4 and to
be a [holy] people [...] Blank 5 Blank [...]
Frags. 1-6 col. xn 1 On the third day [...] He will start speaking and sa[y:
Blessed] 2 be you, God of Israel, [who commanded the temporarily impure to
purify themselves from the impurity of] j [. . .] the soul with the atonement [. . . J
holy ash [...] 4 [...] in the water of [...] in constant streams 5 and the lustral
water for temporary purification [...] his clothes and afterwards [they will
sprinkle over him] 6 the waters of sprinkling to purify him, and all [. . .] 7 After
[having been sprin]kled with the waters [of sprinkling he will bless. He will
start speaking and say: Blessed be you] 8 [God of Is]rael, you give [. . .] g from
the defilements of impurity. Today [...] 10 contamination, to make you holy
[...]
Frags. 42-44 col. 11 1 ...[...] 2 And afterwards he will enter [...] 3 And he will
say: Blessed are you, God of Is[rael, . . .] 4 by your mouth the purification of all
[...] has been required 5 they are not purified in water of purification. And
today I [...] 6 [...] ... [...]
Astronomical Texts , Calendars and Horoscopes
444
ASTRONOMICAL TEXTS, CALENDARS AND HOROSCOPES
This chapter assembles a sample of a whole series of compositions which are
of an astronomical character from calendars which determine synchronisms
among the movements of heavenly bodies or which establish feasts in accor-
dance with the different rosters of the priestly families, and one text which can
be identified as a horoscope. Unfortunately, these texts have reached us in an
extremely fragmentary condition, and most of them have not yet been pub-
lished.
In the first section are three of the four exemplars of a composition known
as Astronomical Enoch , an Aramaic work of which the astronomical chapters of
Ethiopic Enoch or 1 Enoch (chapters 72-82) are a muddled and very abbreviated
summary. The work comprised an extensive calendar in which the movements
of the sun and of the moon were correlated (of which nothing remains in the
Ethiopic text) as well as other material which refers to various heavenly phe-
nomena. Out of the four copies recovered from Cave 4, the oldest (4Q208) pre-
serves only remnants of the synchronic calendar; there are no traces of the
calendar in the few fragments of the two later manuscripts (4Q210 and 4Q211);
but in the longest and best preserved copy (4Q209), both sections are repre-
sented.
In the second section are some of the seven manuscripts which include dif-
ferent types of calendar. In these calendars the festivals of the year are deter-
mined, usually in terms of the priestly rosters; these manuscripts are, therefore,
also labelled as Mishmarot. The longest document of this type is to be found in
the translation of one of the copies of the Community Rule (4Q259) to which it
belonged. The extremely bad condition of the other manuscripts of the same
type, and the impression that several fragments, bundled together as part of a
single work, actually include the remains of calendars of different kinds, pre-
vent their inclusion here. This same section includes the longest fragment of
a work in Hebrew, but copied in code, which describes the various phases of
the moon in a style similar to the synchronic calendar of Astronomical Enoch
and the two fragments of a brontologion.
The third section contains astrological compositions. The first one has been
copied in code, with Greek and Palaeo-Hebrew letters alternating with letters
in the square script and the whole text written from left to right, but the lan-
guage is Hebrew. The second one is in Aramaic. Both of them can be termed
horoscopes.
4Q2°9
ASTRONOMICAL ENOCH
445
i Astronomical Enoch
4QAstronomical Enoch* (4Q209 [qQEnastr* ar])
Frags. 1 + 2 1 [and shines during the sixth night of this month for three sev-
enths.] Next, it sets [and enters and it is four sevenths covered] 2 [the rest of
that night. And during that day it grows up to three and a half sevenths; its
light is equivalent] to three and a half sevenths, 3 [Then it rises and keeps
watch the rest of that day for three and a half sevenths. And it shines during
the seventh night of that month with three and a half sevenths. 4 [Next, it sets
and enters and is three and a half sevenths dark the rest of that night. And it
gr]ows during that day up to four sevenths; its light is equivalent 5 [to four
sevenths. Then it rises and keeps watch during the rest of that day for three
sevenths.] And it shines during the eighth night of that month with 6 [four|
sevenths. Next, it sets and enters and it is dark for the rest [of that night for
three sevenths. And it grows during that day] up to four and a half sevenths;
its light is equivalent 7 [to four sevenths. Then it rises and keeps watch the rest
of that day for two and a half sevenths.] And it shines during the ninth night
of that month 8 [with four and a half sevenths. Next, it sets and enters and is
[two and a half sevenths] covered the rest [of that night . And it grows during
that day] up to five sevenths; 9 [its light is equivalent to five sevenths.] Then
[it rises and keeps watch during the rest of that day two sevenths. And it shines
during the tenth night] to [of this month with five sevenths. Next, it sets and
enters and is two sevenths covered the rest of that night. And it grows during
that day up to five and a half sevenths;] 1 1 [its light is equivalent to five and a
half sevenths. Then it rises and keeps watch during the rest of that day one and
a half sevenths.] 12 [And it shines during the eleventh night] of this month
[with five and a half sevenths. Then it sets and enters and is one and a half
sevenths covered the rest of that night. And it grows] 13 [during that day] up
to six sevenths; its light is equivalent [to six sevenths.] Then it rises and keeps
watch during the rest of that day one seventh.
Frag. 3 1 [And it shines during the twelfth night] of this month [with six sev-
enths. Next it sets and enters and is one seventh covered the rest of that night.]
2 [And it grows during] that day up to six and a half sevenths; its light is equiv-
alent [to six and a half sevenths. Then it rises and keeps watch during the rest
of that day] half a seventh. And it shines during the [thirteenth] night [of that
month with six and a half sevenths. Next, it sets and enters and is half a sev-
enth covered 4 [the rest of that night.] And it grows during all that whole day
[. . .] 5 [. . .] And it shines during the fourteenth night of that month, during all
that night [...] 6 [And during the] fifteenth [night] of that month it is half a
seventh covered; it lacks [half a seventh of its light. Then it rises and shines]
446 ASTRONOMICAL TEXTS, CALENDARS AND HOROSCOPES 4Q209
7 [during the rest of that night] with six and a half sevenths. And it grows dur-
ing that day six and a half sevenths. And during the [sixteenth night
of that month it is half a seventh (?) covered. Of its light it lacks] 9 [half a sev-
enth (?)]. Then it rises and shines the rest of that night [six and half sevenths
(?). And it grows during that day up to a seventh. Next] to [it sets and enters
and is covered] the rest of that day [six sevenths. . .]
Frags. 4 + 5 1 Fi[ve and a half [sevenths. . .] 2 two sevenths. Then [. . .] j that day
up to two sevenths. Next it sets [and enters and is covered] the re[st of that day
up to five sevenths.] 4 And during the nineteenth night of that month it is two
sevenths co[vered; it lacks two sevenths of its light. Then 5 it rises and shines
the rest of that night with five sevenths. [And it grows during] that day [up to
two and a half sevenths. Next] 6 it sets and enters and is four and a half sev-
enths covered] the rest of that day. [And during the twentieth night of that
month it is] 7 [two and a half sevenths covered; it lacks two] and a half sevenths
of its light.
Frag. 6 1 [Then it rises through the gate . . . and shines during the rest of that
night with one and a half sevenths; it grows during that day up to six sevenths.
2 [Next it sets and enters and is one seventh covered the rest of that day. Dur-
ing the twenty-seventh night] of that month it is six sevenths covered; it lacks
[six sevenths] of its light. 3 [Then it rises and shines during the rest of that
night with a seventh, and grows during] that day up to six and a half sevenths.
Next it sets 4 [and enters and is covered during the rest of that day up to a half
of a seventh. During the twenty-eighth night of that month it is six and half
sevenths covered; it lacks 5 [six and a half sevenths of its light. It rises and
shines] the rest of that night with half of a seventh and grows during that day
to completeness. Next it sets and enters 6 [through the gate . . . and is com-
pletely covered the rest of that day. It lacks] all the rest of its light, and its disc
rises deprived of all light, occluded by the sun. 7 [...] ... [...]
Frag. 7 col. 11 1 [During that day it grows up to four and a half sevenths. Next
it sets and enters and is two and a half sevenths covered the rest] of that day.
2 [Blank During the twenty-fourth day] of that months it is covered up to four
and a half sevenths]. Then it rises and shines during the rest of that night with
two and a half sevenths. And it grows 4 [during] that day up to five sevenths.
Next it sets and enters and is two sevenths covered the rest of that day. 5 Dur-
ing the twenty-fifth night of that month its is covered up to five sevenths; it
lacks five sevenths of its light. 6 Then it rises and shines during the rest of that
night with two sevenths and grows during that day up to five and a half sev-
enths. 7 Next it sets and enters through the second gate and is covered the rest
of that day with one a half sevenths Blank 8 During the twenty-sixth night of
4Q209
ASTRONOMICAL ENOCH
447
that month it is five and half sevenths covered; it lacks five and a half sevenths
of its light. 9 Then it rises from the second gate and shines during the rest of
that night with one and a half sevenths; and it grows during that day jo up to
six sevenths. Next it sets and enters and is one seventh covered the rest of that
dav. Blank During the twenty-seventh jj night of that month it is six sevenths
covered; it lacks [six sevenths] of its light. [Then it rises and shines] 12 [during
the rest] of that night with one and a half sevenths; and it grows during that
day [up to six and a half sevenths.] Next it sets and enters
Frag. 7 col. Ill 1 [. . . And shines during the eighth night of that month] with four
sevenths. Next it sets and enters. During that night 2 the sun completes its
passage through all the sections of the first gate and again begins to enter and
rise through the sections. Then the moon j sets and enters and is three sev-
enths dark the rest of that night. And during that day it grows up to four [and
a half] sevenths. [Next] it rises and keeps watch the rest of that day two and a
half sevenths. Blank During the ninth night of that month it shines with 5 four
and a half sevenths. Next it sets and enters. During that night the sun again
begins to pass through its sections [and to set] 6 through them. Then the moon
sets and enters through the fifth gate, and is [two] and a half [sevenths dark the
rest of that night. 7 And during that day it grows up to five [sevenths;] its light
is equivalent to five complete sevenths. [Next it rises] 8 through the fifth gate
[and keeps watch during the rest of that day, two sevenths. During the tenth
night of that month, it shines with] [five sevenths. Next it sets and enters and
is two sevenths dark the rest of that night. And it grows during that day] 10 [up
to five and a half seve]nths [. . .]
Frag. 8 1 [and it shines the rest of] that night [with three sevenths. And it grows
up to four and a half sevenths during that day. Next it sets and enters] 2 [and
is] two and a half sevenths [covered the rest of that] day. [And during the twen-
tieth night. . .] 3 [of that month it is] four and a half sevenths [covered.] [It lacks
four and a half sevenths of its light. Then it rises and shines] 4 [during the rest
of that night with] two and a half sevenths. [And it grows during that day up
to five sevenths. Next it sets and enters and is covered]
Frag. 9 1 [Then it sets and enters through the] third gate [and is sevenths
covered the rest of that day.] 2 [And during the] twentieth [night [...] of that
month it is [.. .. sevenths] covered; it lacks .... sevenths of its light, j [Next it
rises from the] third gate and shines [during the rest of that night. . .]
Frag. 23 (> 1 Enoch 76 : 13-77 : 4) 1 [■ ■ • drought and] destruction and death and
[violence and desolation.] 2 [The twelve gates of the four cardinal points] of the
sky [ceased.] I have shown you their full explanation, [Methuselah, my son.]
■
448 ASTRONOMICAL TEXTS, CALENDARS AND HOROSCOPES 4Q2IO
j [The East they call the East, because it is the] first. The South they call the
South, because the Great One lives there, and in him 4 [. . .] lives [blesjsed for
ever. The great cardinal point [they call the West, because] 5 the stars of the
sky [go there;] through there all the stars set and through there they rise; that
is why they call it the West. 6 [The North they call the North] because all the
stars of the sky hide and gather in it and return to it and head towards the East
of the skies. 7 [And the East they call] the East, because the heavenly bodies
ascend from there; also they call it the Levant because they ‘levitate’ through
there. 8 [And I saw three sections] of the earth: one so that the sons of men
could live in it; another for all [the seas] 9 [and the rivers, and another] for the
deserts, for «The Seven», [and for the Paradise] of Justice. 10 [And I saw seven
mountains higher] that all the mountains [which there are upon the earth; snow
covers them...]
Frag. 25 (> 1 Enoch 79 : 9-12 ?) ?[...] years for [...] 2 [...] Blank [...] 3 [And
Uriel taught me] another computation, having shown me that ...[...] 4 [its light
is in the sky. The first days they call] new moons, because [...]
Frag. 26 (> 1 Enoch 79 : 2-5) 1 [...] ... [...] 2 [...] through the sixth gate, for it
[its light is completed...] 3 [...twenty-five weeks and] two days. And it lags
behind in relation to the sun [...] 4 [...] it is corrected in it. It seems like the
image of a vision. When its light lags behind in it [. . .] 3 [In the night] that vi-
sion seems to be in part the image of a man, and in the night [seems in part the
image of the sun in the sky; and there is nothing in it,] 6 [except only its light.]
And now, my son, I will show you [...] 7 [...] another computation
Frag. 28 (> 1 Enoch 82 : 9- 13) 1 [in relation to] its constellations, its new moons,
its signs. [These are the names] 2 [. . . and according to] his authority in relation
to all their stations. Four [...] 3 [. . .] chiefs of a thousand [. . .] 4 [.. . dividing up
the days [. . .] 5 [. . .and these] are the names [. . .]
4QAstronomic Enoch' (4Q2 10 [4QEnastr‘ ar])
Frag. 1 col. 11 (> 1 Enoch 76 : 3- 10) 1 and the following three, to the North. [And
the following three, to the West. Out through four of them go the winds which]
2 are for the healing of the earth and its revitalization. And [out through eight
go the harmful winds; when they are sent they destroy all the earth] 3 and the
waters and all there is in them, what grows and flowers and creeps, [both in the
waters as on dry land and all that lives in it. First,] 4 the wind from the East
goes out through the first gate which is in the [East and veers to the South. Out
through it go destruction, drought, heat and desolation.] 5 Out through the
second gate, (the middle one), goes the wind from the East-by-Ea[st: rain.
4Q211
ASTRONOMICAL ENOCH
449
fruits, renewal of life and dew. Out through the third goes the wind] 6 from the
North-east, which is close to the wind from the North: [cold and aridity. Be-
hind them,] 7 out goes, first, through the first gate, [a wind from the South,
which is to the South and the East: [a hot (?) wind. Out through the second gate
goes a wind from the South] 8 which they call the South: dew, [rain, well-being
and renewal of life. Out through the third gate goes a wind from the South-
east: dew, rain, locust and destruction.] g Behind it a wind from the [North]
goes out [. . .] 10-13 [. . .] 14 and desolation. The twelve gates of the four cardinal
points of the sky came to an end. [I have shown you their complete explanation,
Methuselah, my son. The East they call the East] 15 because it is the first; the
South they call the South because the [Great One lives there, and in it he lives
since eternity. The great cardinal point they call the West because the stars]
16 of the sky [go there;] all the stars set through there and rise through there;
that is why [they call it the West. The North they call the North, because]
1; all the stars [of the skies hide,] gather together and turn back in it, [and head]
towards the East of the skies. [The East they call the East because from there
the heavenly bodies rise. They also call it the Levant because] 18 the moons
‘levitate’ through there [becoming fuller day by day] to appear above the
earth. . .] ig [I saw three sections] of the earth: one for the sons of men to live
in;] another [...] 20 [And I see sev]en mountains. . .]
Frag. 1 col. in (> Enoch 78 : 6-8) 1-2 [...] j [When the moon rises, half of a sev-
enth of its light] shines in the skies to appear [above the earth] 4 [. . . and it be-
comes comjplete from day to day until day fourteen, [when...] 5 [all its light is
complete. Its light grows by fifteenths and becomes complete, day by day, until
day] fifteen, on which all its light is complete. 6 [. . .] and achieves its phases in
half-sevenths. 7 [In its waning (?) phase the moon decreases its light. The first
day, a fourteenth;] the second day, a thirteenth; 8 [the third day, a twelfth; the
fou]rth day an eleventh
4QAstronomic Enoch^ (4Q211 ^QEnastr^ ar])
Frag. 1 col. I 1 [...]... 2 [...dew] and rain falling upon the earth, and the seed
j [ . . . ] grass of the earth and wood . The sun] rises and sets 4 [ . . . ]and it is winter;
the leaves of the trees 5 [turn white and fall, except for the fo]urteen trees in
which [. . .] does not appear 6 ... [. . . their] leaves remain.
Frag. 1 col. II 1 [. . .] 2 that one, of its measure [. . .] 3 a tenth of its ninth [part. . .]
4 of a ninth [part]. The stars move through the first gate of the skies. [Next]
they go out 5 in the first days, a tenth through a sixth; in the second, a fifteenth
6 through a sixth; in the third, a thirteenth through a sixth.
45°
ASTRONOMICAL TEXTS, CALENDARS AND HOROSCOPES 4Q211
Frag. 1 col. ill 1-3 [...] 4 On [day fif]teen [...] and on the same day [.. .]5 only in
that night, of [. . .a thi]rd of a ninth [part] and five [. . .] 6 and a tenth of a ninth
part. Blank [...]/[...]
4Q317 • 3i8
CALENDARS AND PRIESTLY ROSTERS
451
2 Calendars and Priestly Rosters
4QPhases of the Moon (4Q317 [4QAstrCrypt])
1 2 [On the] fifth (day) of it (the month) [it is covered for] 3 twelve
(fourteenths,) and thus [enters the day. On the sixth of it,] 4 it is covered for
thirteen, and thus it enters the day] 5 On the seventh of it, it is cofvered for
fourteen, and thus] 6 enters the day. Blank [. . .] 7 On the eighth of it, [its light
dominates the day in the centre of the] 8 high vault, [/fourteen and a half (?)/
and at the arrival of the sun] 9 its light is obscured [and thus it starts to be visi-
ble] 10 on the first (day) of the week. Blank [On the ninth of it, it is visible] 11 by
one part [and thus enters the night.] 12 On the tenth of it it is visible by two,
and thus enters] 13 the night. Blank On the eleventh in it, it is visible by three]
14 and thus it enters the night. Blank [. . .]
4QBrontologion (4Q3 18 [4QBr ar])
Frag. 1 1 [on the 7th (day), Sagittarius. On the 8th and on the 9th, Capricorn.
On the 10th and on the 1 rth, Acquarius. On the 12th and on the] 13th and on
the i[4th,]
2 [Pisces. On the 15th and on the 16th, Aries. On the 17th and on the 18th, Tau-
rus. On the i]gth, on the 20th and on the 2[ist]
3 [Gemini. On the 22nd and on the 23rd, Cancer. On the 24th and on the 25th,
Leo. On the 26th,] on the 27th and on the 28th,
4 [Virgo. On the 29th, on the 30th and on the 31st, Libra.] Blank
5 [(Month of) Tishri: On the 1st and on the 2nd, Scorpio. On the 3rd and on the
4th, Sagittarius. On the 5th, on the 6th and on the] 7th, Capricorn. On the 8th
Frag. 2 col. 1 / and on the 13th and on the 14th, Cancer. On the 15th and on the
16th, Leo. On the 17th and on the 18th,
2 Virgo. On the 19th, on the 20th and on the 2 1st, Libra. On the 22nd and on the
23rd, Scorpio. On the 24th
3 and on the 25th, Sagittarius. On the 26th, on the 27 and on the 28th, Capri-
corn. On the 29th
4 And on the 30th, Acquarius. Blank (Month of) Shebat: On the 1st and on the
2nd, Pisces. On the 3rd and on the 4th,
5 Aries. On the 5th, on the 6th and on the 7th, Taurus. On the 8th on the 9th,
Gemini. On the 10th
6 And on the 11th, Cancer. On the 12th, on the 13th and on the 14th, Leo. On
the 15th and on the 16, Virgo.
7 On the 17th and on the 18th, Libra. On the 19th, on the 20th and on the 21st,
Scorpio. On the 22nd
■
I
452 ASTRONOMICAL TEXTS, CALENDARS AND HOROSCOPES 4Q320
8 and on the 23rd, Sagittarius. On the 24th and on the 25th, Capricorn. On the
26th, on the 27th and on the 28th,
9 Acquarius. On the 29th and on the 30th, Pisces. Blank
Frag. 2 col. 11 / (Month of) Adar: On the 1st and on the 2nd, Aries. On the 3rd
and on the 4th, Taurus. On the 5th, on the 6th and on the 7th, Gemini.
2 On the 8th, on the 9th, Cancer. On the 10th and on the 1 ith, Leo. On the 12th,
on the 13th and on the 14th,
3 Virgo. On the 15th and on the 16th, Libra. On the 17th, on the 18th, Scorpio.
4 On the 19th, on the 20th and on the 21st, Sagittarius. On the 22nd and on the
23rd, Capricorn. On the 24th and on the 25th,
5 Acquarius. On the 26th, on the 27th on the 28th, Pisces. On the 29th, on the
30th and on the 31st,
6 Aries. Blank If it thunders in the sign of Taurus, revolutions (in) the wor[ld. . .]
7 problems for the cities and destruction in the courjt of the King and in the
province of [...]
8 there will be, and for the Arabs [. . .] famine. And some will plunder others [. . .]
9 Blank If it thunders in the sign of Gemini, fear and distress of the foreigners
and of [. . .]
qQCalendrical Document A (4Q320 [qQCalendrical Doc a])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 [. . .] to display itself from the East 2 [and] shine [in] the centre of
the sky, at the base of the 3 [va]ult, from evening to morning, on the 9th
(Wednesday) of Shebat 4 [son of Ga]mul, in the first month of the 5 [fir]st year.
Blank 6 [The 5th (Thursday) of (the week of) Yedacy]ah (corresponds) to the
29th (and falls) on the 30th of the first (month). 7 [The sabbath of Ha]qoz,
(corresponds) to the 30th, on the 30th of the second. 8 [The 1st (Sunday) of
Elya]shib, the 29th, on the 29th of the third. 9 [The 3rd (Tuesday) of Bil]gah
to the 30th, on the 28th of the fourth. 10 [The 4th (Wednesday) of Petay]yah,
to the 29th, on the 27th of the fifth. 11 [The 6th (Friday) of Delayah,] to the
30th on the 27th of the sixth. 12 [The sabbath of Sheco]rim, to the 29th on the
25th of the seventh. 13 [The 2nd (Monday) of Abivah, to the 3]oth, [on the]
25th of the eighth. 14 [The 3rd of Yaqim, to the 2]9th, on the 24th of the ninth.
Frag. 1 col. II / The 5th (Thursday) /of Immer/, to the 30th, on the 22nd of the
tenth. 2 The 6th (Friday) of Yehezkiel, to the 29th, on the 22nd of the elev-
enth. 3 The 1st (Sunday) of Yoyarib, to the 30th, on the 22nd of the twelfth
month 4 of the second year. Blank s The 2nd of Malkiyah, to the 29th, on the
20th of the first. 6 The 4th (Wednesday) of Yeshuca, to the 30th, on the 20th
of the second. 7 The 5th (Thursday) of Juppa, to the 29th, on the 19th [of the
third], 8 The sabbath of Hapizez, to the 30th, on the 18th of the fo[ urth.J 9 The L
I
4Q320
CALENDARS AND PRIESTLY ROSTERS
453
ist (Sunday) of Gamul, to the [29th, on the 17th of the fifth.] w The 3rd
(Tuesday) of Yedacyah, to the 30th, [on the 17th of the sixth.] 1/ The 4th
(Wednesday) of Miyyamim, to the 2[9th, on the 15th of the seventh.] 12 The
6th (Friday) of Shekanyah, to the 3[oth, on the 15th of the eighth.] 13 The
sabbath of Bilfgah, to the 29th, on the 14th of the ninth.] 14 [The 2nd of
Petayyah, to the 30th, on the 13th of the tenth.]
Frag. 1 col. ill 1 [The 3rd (Tuesday) of Delayah, to the 29th, on the 12th of the
eleventh.] 2 [The 5th (Thursday) of Yarim, to the 30th, on the 12th of the elev-
enth month.] 3 [The 6th (Friday) of Haqoz, to the 29th, on the 10th of the
first.] 4 [The 1st (Sunday) of Yaqim, to the 30th, on the 10th of the second.]
5 [The 2nd (Monday) of Immer, to the 20th, on the 9th of the third.] 6 [The
4th (Wednesday) of Yehezkiel, to the 30th, on the 8th of the fourth.] 7 [The 5th
(Thursday) of Macaziyah, to the 29th, on the 7th of the fifth.] 8 [The sabbath
of Malkiyah, to the 30th, on the 7th of the sixth.] 9 The 1st (Sunday) of
Ye[shuca, to the 29th, on the 5th of the seventh.] 10 The 3rd (Tuesday) of
Juppa, to the 30th, on the 5th of the eighth. 11 The 4th (Wednesday) of Yazir,
to the 29th, on the 4th of the ninth. 12 The 6th (Friday) of Yaqim, to the 30th,
on the 3rd of the tenth. 13 The sabbath of Yedacyah, to the 29th, on the 2nd of
the twelfth month. 14 The 2nd (Monday) [of Miyya]mim, to the 30th, on the
second day of the twelfth month.
Frag. 2 col. 1 1 [. . .] 2 [. . .] second. The holy 3 [. . .] holy creation 4 [. . .] the 4th of
Shebat 5 [. . .] beginning of all the years. 6 [. . . of the] year of the second jubilee.
/[...]...
Frag. 2 col. 11 ?...[...] 2 in the sacrifices [. . .] 3 holy [. . .] 4 The second, 30 [. . .]
5 The third, 3[i ...] 6 The fourth, 30 [...]
Frag. 4 col. \ 11 [...] Yoyarib 12 [...] Malkiyah 13 [...] Yeshuca 14 [...] Yeshabeb
Frag. 4 col. a 10 the days, the weeks, 11 and the months, Blank 12 the years, the
Releases 13 and the jubilees. The 4th of 14 Shebat, son of Gamul.
Frag. 4 col. in / The first year. Its festivals: 2 The 3rd, on the sabbath of
Mecozayah, the passover. 3 The 1st [of] Yedac[yah, the waving of the shfeaf]
4 The 5th of Shecorim, the [second] passover. 5 The 1st of Yeshuca, the feast
of weeks. 6 The 4th of Mecozayah, the day of remembrance. 7 The 6th of
Yeoyarib, the day of atonement 8 [in the seventh mo]nth. Blank 9 The 4th of
Yedacyah, the feast of tents. 10 Blank n The second. Its feasts: 12 [The 3rd] of
Shecorim, the passover. 13 [The 1st of Miyjyamim, the waving of the [sheaf.]
14 [The 5th of A]bivah, [the second passover.]
454
ASTRONOMICAL TEXTS, CALENDARS AND HOROSCOPES 4Q321
Frag. 4 col. iv 1 The ist [of Jup]pa, [the feast of w]eeks. 2 The 4th of Shecorim,
the day /of remembrance/. 3 The 6th of Malkiyah, the day of atonement.
4 The [4th of] Miyyamim, the feast of tents. 5 Blank 6 The third. Its festivals:
7 The 3rd of Abiyah, the passover. 8 The 1st of Shekanyah, the waving of the
sheaf. 9 The 5th of Yaqim, the se[cond] passover. 10 [The 1st] of Chazir, [the
feast of weeks.] 11 [The 4th of Abiyah, the day of remembrance.] 12 [The 6th
of Yeshuca, the day of atonement.] 13 [The 4th of Shekanyah, the feast of
tents.] 14 [The fourth. Its festivals:]
Frag. 4 col. v 1 [The 3rd of Ya]qim, the passover. 2 The 1st [of Yesha]beb, the
waving of the sheaf. 3 The [5th of Im]mer, the second passover. 4 [The 1st of
Hapi]zez, [the feast of] weeks. 5 [The] 4th of Yaqim, the day of remembrance.
6 [The] 6th of Juppa, the day of atonement. 7 [The 4th] of Yeshabeb, the feast
of tents. #[...] Blank 9 [The fifth.] Its festivals: 10 The 3rd of Immer, the pass-
over. 11 The 1st of Hapizez, the waving of the sheaf. 12 [The] 5th of Yehezkiel,
the second passover. 13 [The 1st of Yeo]arib, the feast of [weeks.] 14 [The 4th
of Immer, the day of remembrance.
Frag. 4 col. vi 1 The 6th of Jazir, the day of atonement. 2 The 4th of Hapizez,
the feast of tents. 3 Blank 4 The sixth. Its festivals: 5 The 3rd of Yehezkiel, the
passover. 6 The 1st of Gamul, the waving of the sheaf. 7 [The 3rd] of
Macaziyah, the se[cond] passover. 8 The 1st of Malkiyah, the feast of w[eeks.]
9 [The] 4th of Yehez[kiel, the day of remembrance. 10 [The] 6th of Yaqim, [the
day of atonement.] u [The 4th of Gamul, the feast of tents.]
4QCalendrical Document b" (4Q321 [4QCalendrical Doc b"])
Frag. 1 col. 1 1 [And the new moon enters the first (Sunday) of (the week of)
Yedayah of the twelfth (month), (which is) the second (Monday) of (the week
of) Abiyah, the twenty-[fifth of the eighth (month). And the new moon enters]
2 [the third (Tuesday) of Miyyamim of the twelfth,] the third of Yaqim, the
twenty-[fourth of the ninth. And the new moon enters the fourth (Wednesday)]
3 [of Shekanyah of the twelfth, the fifth (Thursday) of Immer, the twenty-
third of the te[nth. And the new moon enters the sixth (Friday) of Ye]shabeb
4 [of the tenth,] the sixth of Ezekiel, the twenty-second of the eleventh month.
And [the new moon enters the sabbath of] Petayyah 5 of the ninth,] the first
(Monday) of Yoyarib, the twenty-second of the twelfth month. [And the new
moon enters the second (Monday) of Delayah 6 [of the ninth. Blank The] second
(Monday) of the first, the second of Malkiyah, the twentieth of the first. And]
the new moon enters 7 [the third (Tuesday) of Yarim of the sev]enth, the
fourth (Wednesday) of Yeshuca, the twentieth of the second. And [the new
moon enters the fifth (Thursday) of Ha]qoz of the ninth, 8 [the fifth (Thurs-
4Q327
CALENDARS AND PRIESTLY ROSTERS
455
day) ofjuppa, the nineteenth of the third. And the new moon enters the sixth
(Friday) of El[iashib of the six[th, the sa]bbath of Hapizez,
Frag. 1 col. n 1 [the eighteenth of the fourth. And the new moon enters the first
(Sunday) of Immer of the fifth,] the first of Ga[mul, the seventeenth of the
fifth.] 2 [And the new moon enters the second (Monday) of Ez]eki[el of the
fourth, the third (Tuesday) of Ye]dayah, the [seventeenth of the sixth. And the
new moon enters the fourth (Wednesday)] 3 of Macaziyah of the fourth, the
fourth [of Miyyamim of the fifth, the fifteenth] of the seventh. And the new
moon enters the fifth (Thursday) of Shecorim of the second, 4 the sixth (Fri-
day) of Shekanyah, the fifteenth of the eighth. And the new] moon enters the
sabbath of Abiyah of the second, [the sabbath of Bilgah,] 5 the fourteenth of
the ninth. And (there is) a new moon [the first (Sunday)] of the ninth, and (a)
second new moon enters the third (Tuesday) of [Chazir, the thirty]6-first, the
seond of Petayyah, the thirteenth of the tenth.] And the new moon enters the
fourth (Wednesday) of Yaqim, the twenty-[ninth,] 7 the [third (Tuesday) of
Delayah,] the second of the eleventh. And the new] moon enters the sixth
(Friday) of Yeyarib, the twenty-eighth. The third (year). The first 8 [of the
sixth of Haqoz, of the
qQCalendrical Document \ i (4Q327 tfQCalendrical Doc E*])
Frag. 1 col. 1 3 The sixteenth 4 falls on a sabbath. 5 The twenty-6third 7 falls on
a sabbath. 8 The thirty
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 falls on a sabbath. 2 On the twenty-jsecond 4 falls the feast 5 of
oil. 6 Af[ter the sabbath /[...] 8 the offering of
Frag. 2 col. 1 4 The twenty-j-third 6 falls on a sabbath. 7 The thirtieth 8 falls on
a sabbath.
Frag. 2 col. 11 2 falls on a sabbath. 3 On the twenty-,/ eighth 5 a sabbath falls 6 on
it. After 7 the sabbath 8 the [festival of [. . .]
Frag. 2 col. ill / falls [on a sabbath.] 2 The eleventh] 3 falls on a sabbath. 4 The
eight5eenth falls on a sabbath. 6 The twenty-7fifth 8 falls on a sabbath. 9 The
second 10 of the month
456 ASTRONOMICAL TEXTS, CALENDARS AND HOROSCOPES 4Q186
3 Horoscopes
4QHoroscope (4Q186)
Frag. 1 col. 1 1-2 3 Blank [. . .] 4 And the man who will be [. . .] 5 wide, cir-
cular [...] 6 pleasant and not the flesh of ... [...]
Frag. 1 col. 11 1 [...] impure 2 [...] a granite stone 3 [...] a man of [...] 4 [...]
secrets. 5 And his thighs are long and slender, and the toes of his feet are
6 slender and long. And he is in the second position. 7 His spirit has six (parts)
in the house of light and three in the pit of 8 darkness. And this is the sign in
which he was born: the foot of Taurus. He will be poor. And his animal is the
bull.
Frag. 1 col. 111 1 and ... [...] 2 and his head [...] 3 terrifying [...]. And his teeth
are of differing lengths (?). The fingers of 4 his hand are stumpy. His thighs are
fat and each one covered in hair. His spirit has 6 eight (parts) in the house [of
darkness] and one in the house of light.
Frag. 1 col. iv 1 [. . .] there. These 2 [. . .] (he) will be in the middle of 5 [. . .] ...
Frag. 2 col. 1 / rule. His eyes are of a colour between black and stripy. His beard
is 2 ... [. . .] and frizzy. The sound of his voice is simple. His teeth 3 are sharp
and well aligned. He is neither tall 4 nor short, and like that from his birth.
Then the fingers of his hands are slender 5 and long. His thighs are smooth and
the soles of his feet 6 [. . .] are even. His spirit 7 has eight (parts) [in the house
of light] in second position, and one 8 [in the house of darkness . . .] And the
sign in which he was born is 9 [...] And his animal is [...] 10 [...] this [...]
»[■■■]■■■[■■■]
4QAramaic Horoscope (4Q561 [4QHor ar])
Frag. 1 col. 1 /[...] and they will be mixed and will not be numerous. His eyes
(will be) 2 between clear and dark. His nose (will be) long 3 [and] handsome.
And his teeth (will be) well aligned. And his beard 4 will be thin and not abun-
dant. His limbs (will be) 5 smooth and beftween ma]imed and fat. 6 ... [...]
7 from the elbows (will be) prominent [. . .] 8 wide. And his thighs (will be) [be-
tween . . .] 9 and fat. [And] the sole of his feet [.'..] 10 lo[ng . . .] His foot (will be)
Frag. 1 col. n 1 The voice will be [. . .] 2 it will be full (?)[...] 3 it will not stretch
[...] 4 The hair of his beard (will be) abun[dant ...]5he will be between fat and
4Q56i
HOROSCOPES
457
[. . .] 6 And they will be short [. . .] 7 as fat. His nails (will be) [. . .] 8 for his height
[...] g ... [...] 10 And the foot (will be) [...] 11 ... [...]
Frag. 2 ?[...] will be reddish [...] 2 [.. .] will be clear and circular [.. .] 3 [. . .] for
him. The hair of his head [. . .]
\
—
The Copper Scroll
460
THE COPPER SCROLL
Possibly the most mystifying of all the documents found in the caves of the
Qumran region is the one known as The Copper Scroll. It was made of two sepa-
rate sheets of copper, rolled up and oxidised right through. Its contents could
only be determined after it had been carefully cut into parallel strips. The com-
position was the cause of fierce debate in the seventies and its precise meaning
has still not been established.
Is it a legend from folklore about fictitious treasures or a catalogue of hiding-
places for real treasures? If it is just folklore, how is it possible to account for
the medium chosen for writing it down and the terse and apparently authentic
nature of the formulas used? If it is a historical document, how are the vast
amounts it mentions to be understood? What connection does it have with the
other manuscripts found in the same cave? Is it a composition by the Qumran
group or a document which was stored there later on?
There are difficulties in reading the text and the transcriptions are uncertain.
It is impossibe to differentiate between some letters and others almost like
them. The text is couched in uncouth Hebrew and there are the numerous
mistakes of the copyist, and so on. All this confuses even more the task of un-
derstanding the document and of offering an intelligible translation.
In spite of all these problems, the text itself is very interesting and provides
us with an endless mine of topographic and linguistic information since it is
written in colloquial Hebrew which is definitely pre-Mishnaic.
The translation follows, in part, the transcription from the official edition by
J. T. Milik in the series Discoveries in the Judaean Desert of Jordan Ilf pp. 211-
302, and in part alternative readings suggested in other studies of the docu-
ment. The question marks indicate places where the reading or the meaning
seems particularly difficult.
The upper case Greek letters which the reader will find at the end of some
lines of the first four columns appear just like that in the original. Their mean-
ing still remains as mysterious as the remainder of the document.
3Qi5 i-iv
THE COPPER SCROLL
461
3QCopper Scroll (3Q15)
Col. 1 1 In the ruin which is in the valley, pass under 2 the steps leading to the
East j forty cubits (there is) a chest of money and its total: 4 the weight of
seventeen talents. KEN 5 In the sepulchral monument, in the third course:
6 one hundred gold ingots. In the great cistern of the courtyard 7 of the peri-
style, in a hollow in the floor covered with sediment, 8 in front of the upper
opening: nine hundred talents. 9 In the hill of Kochlit, tithe-vessels of the lord
of the peoples and sacred vestments; 10 total of the tithes and of the treasure:
a seventh of the 11 second tithe made unclean(?). Its opening lies on the edges
of the Northern channel, 12 six cubits in the direction of the cave of the ablu-
tions, XAr 13 In the plastered cistern of Manos, going down to the left, 14 at
a height of three cubits from the bottom: silver, forty is Blank talents. Blank
Col. 11 1 In the filled tank which is underneath the steps: 2 forty-two talents.
Blank HN 3 In the cavity of the carpeted house of Yeshu(?), in the 4 third plat-
form sixty-five gold ingots. 6E 5 In the cellar which is in Matia’s courtyard
there is wood and in the middle of it 6 a cistern; in it there are containers with
seventy talents of silver. 7 In the cistern which is in front of the Eastern Gate,
8 at a distance of fifteen cubits, there are vessels. 9 And in the gutter which is
in it: ten talents. A 1 10 In the cistern which is underneath the East wall, 11 in a
spur of the rock: six silver bars 12 in the entrance, underneath the large thresh-
old. 13 In the pool to the East of Kochlit, in the 14 North corner dig for four
cubits: 13 twenty-two talents. Blank
Col. in 1 In the courtyard of [...], underneath the South corner, 2 at nine cubits:
gold and silver 3 tithe-vessels, goblets, cups, jars, 4 vases; total: six hundred and
nine. 5 Beneath the other, eastern corner, 6 dig for sixteen cubits: 7 forty talents
of silver. TP Blank 8 In the tunnel which is in Milcham, to the North: 9 tithe-
vessels and my garments. Its entrance is 10 beneath the western corner. 11 In
the tomb which is in Milcham, to the North-/2east, three cubits below the trap:
13 thirteen talents.
Col. iv 1 In the large cistern which is in [...,] in the pillar 2 of the North [...]
fourteen talents. UK 3 In the channel which goes [up to . . .,] when you go for-
ward 4 fort[y-]one cubits: 5 fifty-five talents of silver. Blank 6 Between the two
buildings which are in the valley of Akon, 7 at their midpoint, dig for three
cubits: 8 there are there two jugs filled with silver. 9 In the earth tunnel which
is on the edge of the Asia: 10 two hundred talents of silver. 11 In the eastern
tunnel which is to the North of Kochlit: 13 seventy talents of silver. 14 In the
(burial-)mound of the valley of Sekaka, dig 13 for a cubit: twelve talents of
silver.
462
THE COPPER SCROLL
3Q15 V-IX
Col. v 1 At the start of the water conduit [which is in] 2 Sekaka, to the North,
bene[ath the] 3 large [stone,] dig for [three] cubits: 4 seven talents of silver. 5 In
the fissure which is in Sekaka, to the East of 6 Solomon’s cistern: tithe-vessels.
7 Close by, 8 above Solomon’s trench, g sixty cubits up to the large rim, 10 dig
for three cubits: 11 twenty-three talents of silver. 12 In the tomb which is in the
ha-Kippa stream, 13 in the approach from Jericho to Sekaka, 14 dig for seven
cubits: thirty-two talents.
Col. vi 1 In the cave of the column with two 2 entrances, facing East, 3 in the
North entrance, dig for 4 three cubits: there is an amphora there, 5 in it a book,
under it 6 Blank forty-two talents. Blank 7 In the cavity at the base of 8 the rock,
facing g East, dig in the entrance 10 for nine cubits: twenty-one talents. 11 In
the queen’s residence, on the 12 West side dig for twelve 13 cubits: twenty-
seven talents. 14 In the burial-mound of the ford of the High
Col. vii 1 Priest, dig 2 for nine [cubits]: twenty-two talents. In the channel of
Qi[. . .] 4 in the North cistern [which is lar]ge5 with four sifdes ...] 6 measure
twenty-four cubits: 7 four hundred talents. Blank 8 In the cavity next to it, in the
vicinity of g Beth-Chagosh, dig for six cubits: w six silver bars. Blank 11 In Doq,
under the East corner of the citadel, 12 dig for seven cubits: 13 Blank twenty-two
talents Blank 14 Above the mouth of the water outlet of Koziba 15 dig for three
cubits towards the parapet: ?6 sixty talents (of silver), two talents of gold.
Col. vm 7 In the channel which is on the road to the East of Beth-2Achsar, to
the East of Achzar: 3 tithe-vessels and books and a bar of silver. 4 In the outer
valley, in the middle of the pen, 5 in the stone, dig for seven-6teen cubits under
it: silver 7 and gold, seventeen talents. Blank 8 In the burial-mound which is at
the entrance to the narrow pass of the potter, g dig for three cubits: four tal-
ents. 70 In the ploughed land which is in ha-Shave’, facing the 11 West, in the
southern part, in the cellar 7 2 facing North, dig 13 for twenty-four cubits: sixty-
six talents. 14 In the irrigated land which is in ha-Shave’, in the landmark
which is there, dig for 75 eleven cubits: Blank 16 Blank seventy talents of silver.
Col. ix 7 In the dovecote which is on the edge of Nataf, measure from the edge
2 thirteen cubits, dig for two, and under seven slabs: 3 four bars of two minas.
Blank 4 In the second estate, under the cellar facing 5 to the East, dig for eight
cubits: 6 Blank the tithe of Chasa, twenty-two and a half talents. 7 In the cellars
of Choron, in the cellar facing the sea, 8 in the basin dig for sixteen cubits:
g Blank twenty-two talents. Blank 10 In Qobcah: a mina of silver, a sacred offer-
ing. 77 In the waterfalls near the edge of the conduit, 12 to the East of its outlet,
dig 7 3 Blank for seven cubits: nine talents. 14 In the cistern which is to the North
of the mouth of narrow pass of Beth-75Tamar, in the rocky ground of Ger
3Qi5 x-xii
THE COPPER SCROLL
463
Pela, 16 everything which is there is a sacred offering. 1 7 In the dovecote of the
fortress of Nabata [...]
Col. x 1 to the South of the second, on the second floor when going down
2 from above: nine talents. Blank 3 In the waterw heel (?) of the irrigation ditches
fed by the 4 great stream, at its foot: twelve talents. 5 In the cistern which is in
Beth ha-Keren, going 6 to the left for ten paces: Blank 7 Blank sixty-two talents
of silver. Blank 8 In the water tank of the valley of Zok (?) on the West side,
9 there is a stone held in place by two supports (?); 10 it is the entrance: three
hundred talents u Blank of gold and twenty atonement vessels. 12 Under Absa-
lom’s memorial, on the 13 West side dig for twelve paces: 14 Blank eighty talents.
Blank is In the basin of the latrines of Siloam, beneath the 16 water outlet: sev-
enteen talents. 17 [In its pool,] at its four
Col. xi ; corners, tithe-vessels. Very near there, 2 underneath the South corner
of the Portico, 3 in Zadok’s tomb, underneath the column of the exedra 4 tithe-
vessels of pine (?) resin and of the tithe of cassia (?) resin. Very near there, 5 in
the concession at the tip of the rock, towards the West, 6 opposite Zadok’s
garden, under the large 7 slab which covers the water outlet: (a) sacred offering.
Sin the grave which is underneath the colonnades: forty talents. 9 in the grave
of the sons of Ha’amata of Jericho (?), w there are vessels of myrtle (?) there,
and of the tithe of pine (?) (resin). 11 Blank Very close by, 12 in Beth Esdatain,
in the cistern 13 at the entrance to the smallest water basin, 14 vessels of the
tithe of aloes and of the tithe of white pine. 15 Very close by, Blank 16 at the
West entrance of the sepulchre room 17 there is a platform for the stove (?)
above [...] nine-hundred [talents of silver,]
Col. xii 1 five talents of gold. Sixty talents in its West entrance, 2 under the
black stone. At its side, underneath the 3 Blank threshold of the burial-chamber:
forty-two talents. 4 On Mount Garizim, underneath the staircase of the upper
tunnel: 5 a chest and all its contents and sixty talents of silver. 6 In the mouth
of the spring of Beth-Sham: silver vessels and gold vessels 7 for the tithes; in
total: six hundred talents. 8 In the large conduit of the burial-chamber up to
Beth-Hakuk: 9 the total of its weight: seventy-two talents, twenty minas. 10 In
the tunnel which is in Sechab, to the North of Kochlit, which opens towards
the North 11 and has graves in its entrance: a copy of this text 12 and its expla-
nation and its measurements and the inventory of everything, ; 3 Blank item by
item.
List of the Manuscripts from Qumran
466
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
This list contains all the manuscripts which come from the various caves of
Qumran and about which information is at present available, both those pub-
lished in full (with an indication of the work in which the editio princeps is to be
found) as well as those published in part (with an indication of the work in
which the reference occurs). This list extends and completes the «Lista de mss
procedentes de Qumran (List of mss which come from Qumran)» w hich I pub-
lished in the periodical Henoch 11 (1989) 149-132. The complete catalogue of
verses preserved in each biblical manuscript included in the Henoch list has
been omitted here, whereas the non-biblical manuscripts, the subject of this
book, are presented in a much more complete form.
This list fulfils a twofold purpose. It enables the reader to locate the editions
of the non-biblical manuscripts which, together with the photographs, have
formed the basis for the translations given. And it also provides a comprehen-
sive view of all the material recovered from the various caves of Qumran.
After the series number, the official abbreviation (in brackets) and the title
given in the present book to each composition, the list indicates the editio prin-
ceps, or the partial edition, of each text, to which is added a very short descrip-
tion or identification of its contents. For the non-biblical texts, the pages in this
book where the translation can be found are added [in square brackets]. Other,
later editions are not included, nor are other studies (monographs or articles),
even when these new editions or studies provide different readings or different
restorations of the fragments. For this information the reader can refer to the
corresponding sections in the Introduccion al estudio de los manuscritos de
Qiimran.
In this list, the manuscripts of the different Caves have been divided into
biblical manuscripts and non-biblical manuscripts. The biblical manuscripts are
catalogued in the sequence of the Hebrew bible. The non-biblical manuscripts
have been arranged according to the official number of the series. An asterisk
(*) marks those manuscripts of which a translation has been provided in this
book. The other sign (o) denotes all those manuscripts of which so little has
been preserved that there is no sense in translating them and for this reason
they have not been included.
In the first reference to a book or article we give the complete bibliographical
details; for later references, only the title in abbreviated form.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
467
cave 1 Biblical Manuscripts
1Q1 (lQGen) lQGenesis D. Barthelemy, Discoveries in the Judaean Desert 1 (djd
1) (Oxford 1955), 49-50, pi. viii. Fragmentary remains of Genesis.
1Q2 (lQExod) lQExodus D. Barthelemy djd i, 50-51, pi. VIII. Fragmentary re-
mains of Exodus.
1Q3 (lQpaleoLev) lQLeviticus D. Barthelemy, djd i, 51-54, pis. viii-ix. Barthe-
lemy accepts that possibly they are three or four separate mss, to which frag-
ments 1-15, 16-21, 22-23 and 24 respectively belonged. M.D.McLean, The Use
and Development of Paleo-Hebrew in the Hellenistic and Roman Period (Thesis,
Harvard 1982), 41-42, distinguishes three different mss: lQpaleoLev": frag-
ments 1-8.10-15; lQpaleoLev*: fragments 22-23; lQpaleoNum: fragments 16-
21. Fragmentary remains of Leviticus in palaeo-Hebrew script.
1Q4 (igDcut") 1 QDeuteronomy“ D. Barthelemy, djd i, 54-57, pi. ix. Fragmen-
tary remains of Deuteronomy.
1Q5 (lQDeut*) 1 QDeuteronomyb D. Barthelemy, djd i, 57-62, pi. x. Another
fragmentary copy of Deuteronomy, with chap. 32 arranged stichometrically.
iq6 (lQjud) iQjudges D. Barthelemy, djd i, 62-64, pi- xi. Fragmentary remains
of Judges.
iQ7(iQSam) lQSamuel D. Barthelemy, djd i, 64-65, pi. xi. Fragmentary re-
mains of 1 and 2 Samuel.
iqIs" iQlsaiaha M. Burrows (ed.) with the assistance of J. C. Trever and W. H.
Brownlee, The Dead Sea Scrolls of St Mark ’s Monastery (The American Schools
of Oriental Research, New Haven 1950), vol. 1, pis. i-liv. Complete text of
Isaiah with a few small lacunae, mainly in the bottom edges.
iqIs* iQlsaiahh E. L. Sukenik, ’Osar ham-megillot hag-genuzot she-bide ha-
'unibersitah ha- ibrit (Bialik Foundation-The Hebrew University, Jerusalem
1954 4Q The Dead Sea Scrolls of the Hebrew University [The Magnes Press-
The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 1955]); pis. i-i5.E.Puech,jjS39(i988) 55,
n. 40, transcribes an as yet unpublished fragment which completes Is 44:23-25.
Remains of another lengthy but fragmentary copy of Isaiah.
iq8 (iqIs*) iQlsaiahb D. Barthelemy, djd i, 66-68, pi. xn. Part of the foregoing
manuscript of Isaiah, published by Sukenik.
iQ9(iQEzek) lQEzekiel D. Barthelemy, djd i, 68-69, pi- xii. One identified
fragment of Ez and another, unidentified.
iqio (iqPs“) iQPsalms“ D. Barthelemy, djd i, 69-70, pi. xm. Fragmentary
copy of Pss, with the divine name written in palaeo-Hebrew characters.
1Q1 1 (iqPs*) iQPsalmsb D. Barthelemy, djd i, 71, pi. xm. Another fragmentary
copy of Pss, with the divine name written in palaeo-Hebrew characters.
1Q12 (iqPs‘) tQPsalms ‘ D. Barthelemy, djd i, 71-72, pi. xm. Remains of Ps 44.
1Q71 (lQDan") 1 (jDanieT D. Barthelemy, djd i, 150-15 i;J.C. Trever, ‘Comple-
tion of the Publication of Some Fragments from Qumran Cave 1’, rq 5/18
468
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
(1965) 323-336, pis. I-VII, esp. p. 330, pi. V. A single fragment, with remains
of two columns, of Daniel.
1Q72 (lQDan*) iQDaniela D. Barthelemy, djd i, 150-151; J.C.Trever, rq 5/18
(1965) 330, pi. vi. Another fragmentary copy of Daniel.
1Q13 (lQPhyl) lQPhylactery D. Barthelemy, djd i, 72-76, fig. 10, pi. xiv. Re-
mains of a phylactery which includes the text of the decalogue.
cave 1 Non-biblical manuscripts
lQpHab lQHabakkuk Pesher M. Burrows (ed), The Dead Sea Scrolls of St Mark’s
Monastery, vol. 1, pis. lv-lxi. Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2-17; 2:1-20. [197-
202]
1Q14 (lQpMic) iQMicah Pesher J.T.Milik, djd i, 77-80, pi. xv. Materials, 264-
265. Remains of a commentary on Mic 1:2-5. 5-7.8-9; 4: 13(F); 6:14-16; y:6(?).8-
9(?).i7. [193-194]
1Q15 (lQpZeph) lQZephaniah Pesher J.T.Milik, djd i, 80, pi. xv. Remains of
a commentary on Zeph 1:18-2:2. [202]
1Q16 (lQpPs) 1 QPsalms Pesher J.T.Milik, djd i, 81-82, pi. xv. Remains of a
commentary on Ps 57:1.4; Ps 68:12-13.36-27.30-31. [206]
1Q17 (loJub") iQjubileesa J.T.Milik, djd i, 82-83, pi- xvi. Copy of the Book of
Jubilees. Remains of Jub 27:19-21. [245]
1Q18 (lQjubQ iQjubileesh J.T.Milik, djd i, 83-84, pi. xvi. Copy of the Book of
Jubilees. Remains of Jub 35:8-10 and unidentified fragments. [245].
1Q19 (lQNoah) lQNoah J.T.Milik, djd i, 84-86, pi. xvi. Possibly a copy of the
lost Book of Noah, related to the Book of Enoch. [263]
iQi9bis lQNoah J.T.Milik, djd i, 152; J.C.Trever, rq 5/18 (1965) 334, pi. vii.
Fragment 2 of the preceding ms. [263]
lQapGen ar (1Q20 ) lQGenesis Apocryphon N. Avigad and Y. Yadin, A Genesis
Apocryphon. A Scroll from the Wilderness of Judaea (Magnes Press-Heikhal ha-
sefer, Jerusalem 1956). J. Greenfield -E. Qimron, ‘The Genesis Apocryphon
Col. xii’, in: T. Muraoka (ed.), Studies in Qumran Aramaic (Abr-Nahrain Sup-
plement 3) (Peeters, Louvain 1992), 70-77. Aramaic paraphrase of Genesis.
Only cols. II, xix-xxii have been published. [230-237]
1Q20 (lQapGen ar) lqGenesis Apocryphon J.T.Milik, djd i, 86-87, pi- xvii. 8
fragments of the foregoing ms, published as ‘Apocalypse de Lantech’. [230]
1Q21 (lQTLevi ar) iq Aramaic Levi J.T.Milik, ‘Le Testament de Levi en
arameen. Fragment de la grotte 4 de Qumran’, rb 62 (1955) 398-399; .-djd i,
87-91, pi. xvii. Remains of an Aramaic work related to the Aramaic Testament
of Levi from the Genizah, and to the Greek Testament of Levi, which forms
part of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. [266]
1Q22 (iqDM) lQWords of Moses J.T.Milik, djd i, 91-97, pis. xviii-xix. E.
Schuller, ‘4Q372 1: A Text about Joseph’, in F. Garcia Martinez (ed.), The Texts
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
469
of Qumran and the History of the Community. Vol. 11 (Paris 1990), 349-376. Re-
mains of a Hebrew work, referred to as ‘Words of Moses’ (Dibre Mosheh). It
should be identical to 4Q373. [276-277]
* 1Q23 (lQEnGiants" ar) iQBook of Giants'1 J.T.Milik, djd i, 97-98, PI. xix. Pub-
lished as remains of an Aramaic apocryphon, they were later identified by
Milik as a copy of the Book of Giants in The Books of Enoch , 301-302. [260]
o 1Q24 (lQEnGiants* ar) iQBook of Giantsb J. T. Milik, djd i, 99, pi. xx. Aramaic
apocryphon; according to Milik, The Books of Enoch, 309, possibly another copy
of the Book of Giants.
o 1Q25 (lQApocryphal Prophecy) J.T.Milik, djd 1, 100-101, pi. xx. Remains of
‘an apocryphal prophecy’ (?) in Hebrew.
o 1Q26 (Wisdom Apocryphon) J.T. Milik, djd i, 101-102, pi. xx. Remains of an
apocryphal work, of sapiential character, in Hebrew. According to P. W.
Skehan, ‘The Biblical Scrolls from Qumran and the Text of the Old Testa-
ment’, BA 28 (1965) 90, there are another four copies of the same work in 4Q.
(See Sapiential Work Af.
* 1Q27 (lQMyst) lQMysteries J.T.Milik, djd i, 102-107, pis- xxi-xxii. ‘Book of
the Mysteries’, a pseudepigraphical prophecy. [399-400]
* iqs (lQS) lQRule of the Community M. Burrows (ed .), The Dead Sea Scrolls
of St Mark's Monastery, vol. 2, fasc. 2: The Manual of Discipline (American
Schools of Oriental Research, New Haven, 1951). Community Rule, cols. i-xi.
[3-19]
* iQ28a (lQSa) 1 QRule of the Congregation D. Barthelemy, djd i, 108-118, pis.
xxiii-xxiv. Appendix to the Community Rule, eschatological in content. [126-
128]
* iQ28b (lQsb) 1 QRule of the Blessings. J. T. Milik djd i, 118-130, pis. xxv-xxix.
Collection of various blessings preserved as an appendix to the Community
Rule and the Rule of the Congregation. [432-433]
* 1Q29 lQLiturgy of the Three Tongues of Fire J.T.Milik, djd i, 130-132, pi. xxx.
J. Strugnell, ‘Moses-Pseudepigrapha at Qumran, 4Q375, 4Q376, and similar
works’, in: L. H. Schiffman (ed .), Archaeology and History in the Dead Sea
Scrolls (jsp 8) (Sheffield 1990), 221-234. Remains of a work, liturgical in char-
acter, called Liturgy of the ‘three tongues of fire’. It should be identical to the
apocryphal composition (pseudo-Moses) preserved in 4Q376. [277-278]
* 1Q30 lQLiturgical Text (?) J. T. Milik, djd i, 132-133, pi. xxx. Fragment of
indeterminate character. [438]
* 1Q31 lQLiturgical Text (?) J.T.Milik, djd i, 132-133, pi. xxx. Fragment of
indeterminate character. [438]
o 1Q32 (iqJN ar) 1 qN ew Jerusalem J.T.Milik, djd i, 134-135, pi. xxxi. Minute
remains of the Aramaic work: ‘Description of the New Jerusalem’.
* iqM (iqM) lQWar Scroll E. L. Sukenik, The Dead Sea Scrolls of the Hebrew
University, pp. 1-19, pis. 16-34.47. Rule of the War of the sons of light against
the sons of darkness. [95-115]
470
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
1Q33 (iQM) lQWar Scroll J.T.Milik, djd i, 135-136, pi. xxxi. Two fragments
of the foregoing ms of the War Scroll. [113-115]
1Q34 (lQPrFetes) iQFestival Prayers J.T.Milik, djd i, 136, pi. xxxi. Collection
of prayers for the various feasts of the liturgical year. Two (4Q508-509) or three
(4Q507) other copies of this work have been preserved. [411]
iQ34bis iQFestival Prayers J. T. Milik, djd i, 152-155; J. C. Trever, rq 5/18
(*965) 328-329, pis. ii-iv. Fragments of the foregoing ms, with remains of the
prayers for the feasts of the New Year, Yom Kippur and Tabernacles (?). [411]
iQH (iqH') 1 Qplymnsa E. L. Sukenik, The Dead Sea Scrolls of the Hebrew Uni-
versity, cols. 1-18, frags. 1-66, pis. 35-58- Three additional fragments have been
published by E. Puech, ‘Un hymne essenien en partie retrouve et les Beatitu-
des’, rq 13 (1988) 59-88, pi. hi. E. Puech has also suggested a new arrangement
and numbering of the fragments, 'Quelques aspects de la Restauration du Rou-
leau des Hymnes (iqH)’, jjs 39 (1988) 38-55. The Hymns scroll, or Hodayot.
[317-361]
1Q35 (iqH* )iQHymnsh J.T.Milik, djd i, 136-138, pi. xxi. Remains of a second
copy of the Hodayot; see E. Puech, ‘Quelques aspects de la Restauration du
Rouleau des Hymnes (iqH)’, jjs 39 (1988) 39-40. [361-362]
1Q36 1 Qhymnic compositions (?) J. T. Milik, djd i, 138-141, pi. xxxii. Remains
of an unspecified hymn.
1Q37 1 Qhymnic compositions (?) J.T.Milik, djd i, 141, pi. xxxm. Remains of an
unspecified hymn.
1Q389 lQHymmc Compositions (?) J.T.Milik, djd i, 142, pi. xxxm. Remains of
an unspecified hymn. [438]
1Q39 lQHymmc Compositions (?) J.T.Milik, djd i, 143, pi. xxxm. Remains of
an unspecified hymn. [438]
1Q40-69 lQunclassified fragments J.T.Milik, djd i, 144-148, pis. xxxm-xxxiv.
Unidentified Hebrew and Aramaic fragments.
1Q70 lQunclassified fragments J.T.Milik, djd i, 148-149, pi. xxxvn.J.C. Trever,
RQ 5 (1964-1966) pi. vie Unidentified fragments of papyri.
cave 2 Biblical manuscripts
2Q1 (2QGen) 2QCenests M. Baillet, Discoveries in the Judaean Desert of Jordan 111
(Oxford 1962) (djd hi), 48-49, pi. x. Remains of a copy of Genesis.
2Q2 (2QExod“) 2QExodusu M. Baillet, djd iii, 49-52, pi. x. Remains of a copy of
Exodus.
2Q3 (aQExod*) 2QExodush M. Baillet, djd iii, 52-55, pi. xi. Remains of another
copy of Exodus, with the divine name written in palaeo-Hebrew characters and
in which Ex 34:10 comes immediately after Ex 19:9.
2Q4 (2QExod‘ ) 2QExodus‘ M. Baillet, djd iii, 56, pi. xii. A single fragment of
possibly another copy of Exodus.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
471
2Q5 (2QpalaeoLev) 2QLeviticus M. Baillet, djd iii, 56-57, pi. xii. A single frag-
ment of Leviticus, written in palaeo-Hebrew characters.
2q6 (2QNum‘' ) zqN umber f M. Baillet, djd iii, 57-58, pi. xii. Two fragments
with remains of a copy of Numbers.
2Q7 (2QNum*) 2QNumbersh M. Baillet, djd iii, 58-59, pi. xii. A fragment of
another copy of Numbers.
2Q8 (2QNun/) 2QNumbersc M. Baillet, djd iii, 59, pi. xii. A fragment with re-
mains of possibly another copy of Numbers.
2Q9 (2QNum‘ ) 2QNumber/ (?)M. Baillet djd 111,59-60, pi. xii. A fragment with
remains of possibly another copy of Numbers.
2Q10 (2QDeut") 2QDeuteronomya M. Baillet, djd iii, 60-61, pi. xii. A fragment
with remains of Dt 1.
2Q1 1 (2QDeut*) 2QDeuteronomyb M.Baillet, djd iii, 60-61, pi. xii. A fragment
with remains of possibly another copy of Deuteronomy.
2Q12 (2QDeutc) 2QDeuteronomyc M.Baillet, djd ill, 61-62, pi. xii. A fragment
with remains of Dt 10.
2Q13 (2Qjer) 2Qjeremiah M. Baillet, djd iii, 62-69, pi. xm. Remains of a copy
of Jer related to mt.
2Q14 (2QPs) 2QPsalms M. Baillet, djd iii, 69-71, pi. xm. Remains of Pss 103
and 104, written partly in red ink.
2Q15 (2Qjob) 2Qj/ob M.Baillet, djd iii, 71, pi. xm. A fragment with remains of
Job 3.
2Q 16 (2QRutha) 2QRuth“ M.Baillet, djd iii, 71-74, pi. xiv. Remains of a copy
of Ruth.
2Q17 (2QRuth/>) 2QRuthh M. Baillet, djd iii, 74-75, pi. xv. Two fragments, one
unidentified, of another copy of Ruth.
2Q18 (2QSir) 2QBen Sira M. Baillet, djd iii, 75-77, pi. xv. Remains of chap. 6
of Ecclesiasticus (or Ben Sira) in Hebrew.
cave 2 Non-biblical manuscripts
* 2Q19 (2Qjub“) 2Qjfubtleesa M. Baillet, djd iii, 77-78, pi. x. A single fragment of
the Book of Jubilees, with remains of Jub 23:7-8. [244]
* 2Q20 (2Qjub*) 2Qjfubileesh M.Baillet, djd iii, 78-79, pi. xv. Three fragments of
another copy of the Book of Jubilees. Only one has been identified. [245]
* 2Q21 (2QapMoses?) 2QApocryphon of Moses M.Baillet, djd iii, 79-81, pi. xv.
Remains of a dialogue of Moses with God. [281]
* 2Q22 (2QapDavid?) 2QApocryphon of David? M.Baillet, djd iii, 81-82, pi. xv.
Remains of an ‘Apocryphon of David’ (?) or of another ‘Apocryphon of Mo-
ses’, which Baillet completes with another copy from Cave 4, 4Q373, still un-
published. [224]
o 2Q23 (2QapProph) M.Baillet djd iii, 82-84, pf xv. Remains of an ‘Apocryphal
prophecy’.
472 LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
* 2Q24 (2QJN ar) 2 QNetv Jerusalem M. Baillet, ‘Fragments arameens de Qumran
2. Description de la Jerusalem Nouvelle’, rb 62 (1955) 225-245, pis. n-iii;
djd hi, 84-89, pi. xv. Remains of an Aramaic work, ‘Description of the New
Jerusalem’. [129]
* 2Q25 2Qjundical text M. Baillet, djd iii, 90, pi. xvi. Remains of a halakhic work.
[86]
o 2Q26 (2QEnGiants ar) 2QBook of Giants M. Baillet, djd 111,90-91. Asinglefrag-
ment in Aramaic, published as a fragment of a ritual (?) and later identified by
J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 334, as another copy of the Book of the Giants,
o 2Q27-33 2 Qunclassified fragments M. Baillet, djd iii, 91-93, pi. xvii. Fragments
of unidentified works.
cave 3 Biblical manuscripts
3Q1 (3QEz) 3QEzekiel M. Baillet, djd iii, 94, pi. xvm. Fragments with remains
of Ez 16.
3Q2 (3QPS) 3QPsalms M. Baillet, djd iii, 94, pi. xvm. Fragments with remains
of Ps 2.
3Q3 (3QLam) 3QLamentations M. Baillet, djd iii, 95, pi. xvm. Remains of a
copy of Lamentations with the divine name written in palaeo-Hebrew charac-
ters.
cave 3 Non-biblical manuscripts
* 3Q4 (3QpIsa) 3QIsaiafl Pesher M. Baillet, djd iii, 95-96, pi. xvm. Remains of a
pesher on Isaiah. [185]
* 3Q5 (3QJub) 3Qjubilees M. Baillet, djd iii, 96-98, pi. xvm. Published as an
‘Apocryphal prophecy’; identified as a copy of the Book of Jubilees, by A. Rofe,
‘Further Manuscript Fragments of the Jubilees in the Third Cave of Qumran’,
Tarbiz 34 (1965) 333-336 and R. Deichgraber, ‘Fragmente einer Jubilaen-
Handschrift aus Hohle 3 von Qumran’, rq 5 (1964-65) 415-422. Three of the
seven fragments have been identified as a copy of Jubilees. [244]
* 3Q6 3QHymn M. Baillet, djd iii, 98, pi. xvm. Hymn of praise. [401]
* 3Q7 (3QTJuda?) 3QTestament of Judah (?) M. Baillet, djd iii, 99, pi. xvm. Pub-
lished as ‘Apocryphon which mentions the angel of the presence’; identified by
J. T. Milik, ‘Ecrits preesseniens de Qumran’, 98, as a Hebrew version of the
Aramaic Testament of Judah. [265]
° 3Q8 3Qunclassified fragments M. Baillet, djd iii, 100, pi. xix. ‘Text which men-
tions an angel of peace’.
o 3Q9 3Qsectarian text (?) M. Baillet, djd iii, 100-101, pi. xix.
o 3Q10-14 3Qunclassified fragments M. Baillet, djd iii, 101-105, pi. xix. Unidenti-
fied texts.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
473
* 3Q15 jQCopper Scroll J. M. Allegro, The Treasure of the Copper Scroll (London
i960); J. T.Milik, djd hi, 211-302, pis. xlviii-lxxi. Copper Scroll. [461-463]
cave 4 Biblical manuscripts
4Q1 (4QGen-Exod a) 4QGenesis-Exodusa J. R. Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal
manuscripts from Cave IV, Qumran: 4QGenExoda, 4QGenb~hj~k , Diss. Harvard
1988, 11-61. Copy which contains combined remains of Genesis and Exodus.
4Q2 (4QGen* ) 4QGenesisb J. R. Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts , 62-
74. Copy of Gn, text identical to mt. Origin uncertain.
4Q3 (4QGen‘ ) 4QCenesisc J. R. Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts , 75-
89. Remains of Gn 40-41.
4Q4 OoGen1' ) 4QCenesisd J. R. Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts , 90-
98. A single fragment with remains of Gn 1.
4Q5 (4QGen<’) 4QGenesise J. R. Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts , 99-
116. Copy of Gn from a textual type similar to mt and the Samaritan text.
4Q6 (4QGenf ) 4Q(ienesis b J. R. Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts , 1 17-
127. Remains of one column with part of Gn 48.
4Q7 (4QGen?) 4QGenesisg J.R. Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts, 128-
137. Two fragments of Gn 1-2
4Q8 (4QGen/!) 4QGenesish J.R.Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts, 138-
142. Minute fragment of Gn 1, 2 and 12.
4Q9 (4QGen/) 4QCenesis' J.R.Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts , 143-
183. Copy of Gn of a textual type close to the Samaritan text.
4Q10 OQGen* ) 4QGenesis! J. R. Davila, Unpublished Pentateuchal manuscripts,
164-173. Small fragments with remains of Gn 1-3.
4Q11 (4QpaleoGen-Exod/) 4QGenesis-Exodusl R W. Skehan, E. Ulrich, J. E.
Sanderson, Discoveries in the Judaean Desert ix (= djd IX), Oxford 1992, 17-50,
pi. i-vi. A manuscript in palaeo-Hebrew script with remains of de Gn 50:26
and Exod 1-36.
4Q12 (4QpaleoGenm) 4QGenesism djd ix, 51-52, pi. vi. A fragment with remains
of Gn 26 in palaeo-Hebrew script.
4Q13 (4QExod;’ ) 4QExodush F. M. Cross, ‘Le travail d‘edition’, 56; . - The An-
cient Library of Qumran, 137, pi. 18; P. W. Skehan, Sdb, 809. Fragments with
remains of Ex 1-5.
4Q14 (4QF.xodf) 4QExodusc F. M. Cross, ‘The Song of the Sea and Canaanite
Myth’, Journal for Theology and the Church 5 (1968) 1-25. Large fragments
with remains of Ex 9-18.
4Q15 (4QExodQ 4QExoduf F.M. Cross, ‘The Song of the Sea’. Fragments with
remains of Ex 1-5.
4Q16 (4QExodc) 4QExodusc A single fragment of five lines with remains of Ex
13-
474
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
4Q17 (4QExod-Lev^) 4QExodus- Leviticus-1 F. M. Cross, The Ancient Library of
Qumran , 33.121; .-Scrolls from the Wilderness of the Dead Sea, 12.21. It
might be most ancient of the biblical manuscripts to come from Qumran, cop-
ied towards 250 bc. Its contents are practically identical to mt. Remains of Ex
38-Lev 2.
4Q18 (4QExodQ Part of a column of eight lines with remains of Ex 13.
4Q1Q (4QExod*) Minute fragment with remains of three lines fom Ex 6:3-5.
4Q20 (4QExod; ) Fragment with remains of Ex 7-8.
4Q21 (4QExod< ) Minute fragment with remains of Ex 36:9-10.
4Q22 (4QpaleoExodm) P. W. Skehan ‘Exodus in the Samaritan Recension from
Qumran’, jbl 74 (1955) 182-187; photographs in ba 28 (1965) 98; Scrolls from
the Wilderness of the Dead Sea, 26; sdb 51, 887-890. J. E. Sanderson, An Exodus
Scroll from Qumran (hss 30) (Atlanta 1986). djd ix, 51-130, pi. vii-xxxm.
Another lengthy copy of Exodus in palaeo-Hebrew characters, Samaritan in
type.
4Q23 (4QLev-N urn" ) 4 QLeviticus-N umbers a Very many fragments ofaMSwhich
contains remains of Lev and of Num.
4Q24 QqLev") 4QLeviticusl Another copy of Lev, with remains of Lev 1-3 and
22-25.
4Q25 (4QLev<:) 4QLeviticusl E. Tov, Festschrift Milgrom. Fragments with remains
of Lev 3-4, one of them written by two different hands.
4Q26 (4QLev'/) 4QLeviticusd E. Tov, QqI xv1' (4Q26)’, in F. Garcia Martinez et al.
(eds.), The Scriptures and The Scrolls. Studies in Honour of A. S. van der Woude
on the Occasion of his 65th Birthday (VTSup 49) (Brill, Leiden 1992), 1-5. Four
small fragments of another copy of Lev. Numerous fragments, small in size
and in a bad state of preservation, of another copy of Lev, with remains of Lev
14-15-
4Q27 (4QNum/’) 4QNumbersb N. R.Jastram, The Book of Numbers from Qumran
Cave IV (4QNumb ), Diss. Harvard 1990. Lengthy copy, of an expansionist
type, of Nm, of which remains of 38 columns have been preserved.
4Q28 (4QDeuta ) 4QDeuteronomya S. A. White, A Critical Edition of Seven Deuter-
onomy Manuscripts, Diss. Harvard 1988, 8-18; .-‘Three Deuteronomy Manu-
scripts from Cave 4, Qumran’, jbl 1 12 (1993) 23-28. A fragment with remains
of Dt 23-24.
4Q29 (4QDeut* ) 4 QDeuteronomy1’ J. A. Duncan, A Critical Edition of Deuteronomy
Manuscripts from Qumran Cave IV: 4QDtb, 4QDi'\ 4QDtb, 4QD1', 4QDtk, 4QDtf ,
Diss. Harvard 1989, 9-31. Four fragments with remains of Dt 29-32.
4Q3° (4QDeut‘ ) 4QDeuteronomyc S. A. White, A Critical Edition, 19-132.
Lengthy copy of Dt, of a textual type related to Lxx.
4Q3i 401 Tut'7) 4QDeuleronnmyd S. A. White, A Critical Edition, 133-154. A
fragment with remains of Dt 2-3.
4Q32 (4QDeuf ) 4QDeuteronomye J. A. Duncan, A Critical Edition of Deuteronomy
A
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
475
Manuscripts, 32-49; . - ‘Three Deuteronomy Manuscripts from Cave 4,
Qumran’, j BL 1 12 ( 1993) 28-34. The three main fragments contain remains of
Dt 7-8.
4Q33 (4QDeuC) 4 QDeuteronomyf S. A. White, A Critical Edition, 155-214. ‘Pro-
to-rabbinic’ copy of Dt.
4Q34 (4QDeu tg) 4QDeuteronomyg S. A. White, A Critical Edition, 215-240. . -
‘Three Deuteronomy Manuscripts from Cave 4, Qumran’, jbl 1 12 (1993) 35-
42. Copy of Dt of a masoretic type.
4Q35 (4QDeur) 4QDeuteronomy" J. A. Duncan, A Critical Edition of Deuteronomy
Manuscripts, 50-77. E. Eshel and M. Stone, ‘A New-fragment of 4QDeutA’, jbl
1 12 ( 1993), 487-489. Copy of Dt of a septuagintal type, with remains of Dt 1-2,
31 and 33.
4Q36 (4QDeut') 4QDeuteronomy‘ S. A. While, A Critical Edition, 241-262. An-
other copy of Dt.
4Q37 (4QDeut/ ) 4QDeuteronomyl J. A. Duncan, A Critical Edition of Deuteronomy
Manuscripts , 78-114. The manuscript contains various passages from Dt and
Ex 12:43-13:5, which follows Dt 11:21, and because of that the editor is in-
clined to consider it as a kind of catena rather than as a biblical text, see ‘Con-
siderations of 4QDC in Light of the “All Souls Deuteronomy” and Cave 4
Phylactery Texts’, in The Madrid Qumran Congress, 199-215 and 356-361
(plates).
4Q38 (4qDcuC ) 4QDeuteronomyk J. A. Duncan, A Critical Edition of Deuteronomy
Manuscripts , 115-154. Eleven fragments which may could belong to two differ-
ent copies of Dt. The preserved remains come from Dt 5, 1 1, 19, 20, 23, 25,
26 and 32.
4Q39 (4QDeut/) 4QDeuteronomyl J. A. Duncan, A Critical Edition of Deuteronomy
Manuscripts, 155-168. Eight tiny-sized fragments of another copy of Dt.
4Q40 (4QDeutm ) 4QDeuteronomym F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Les manuscrits du desert
de Juda et le Deuteronome’, in F. Garcia Martinez et al. (eds.), Studies m Deu-
teronomy (svt 53) (Leiden 1994), 66-69. Three fragments with remains of Dt
3 and 7, written with plene spelling.
4Q41 (4QDeut") 4QDeuteronomyn F. M. Cross, Scrolls from the Wilderness of the
Dead Sea, 20.31-32; FI. Stegemann, ‘Weitere Stiicke von 4QpPsalm 37, von
4QPatriarchal Blessings, und Flinweis auf eine unededierte Flandschrift aus
Hohle 4Q mit Exzerpten aus dem Deuteronomium’, rq 6/22 (1967) 217-227;
S. A. White, A Critical Edition, 263-299; .-‘The All Souls Deuteronomy and
the Decalogue’, jbl 109 (1990), 193-206. The famous ‘All Souls Deuteronomy’,
possibly a text with excerpts from Dt, see S. A. White, ‘4QDt": Biblical Manu-
script or Excerpted Text?’, in H. Attridge et al. (eds.), Of Scribes and Scrolls
(Lanham 1990), 13-20; E. Eshel, ‘4QDeut"- A Text That Has Undergone Har-
monistic Editing’, huca 62 (1991), 117-154.
4Q42 (4QDt“ ) 4QDeuteronomy° F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Les manuscrits du desert de
476
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
Juda et le Deuteronome’, 69-72. Fifteen tiny-sized fragments of another copy
of Dt.
4Q43 (4QDtQ 4QDeuteronomyp F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Les manuscrits du desert de
Juda et le Deuteronome’, 72-75. Four small fragments of another copy of Dt,
with remains of Dt 5 and 14.
4Q44 (4QDeutl?) 4QDeuteronom)ip P. W. Skehan, ‘A Fragment of the ‘Song of
Moses’ (Deut 32) from Qumran’ basor 136 (1954) 12- 15; -‘Qumran Manu-
scripts and Textual Criticism’ in Volume du congres, Strasbourg 7956 (vTSup 4)
(Leiden 1957), 150. Remains of the ‘Song of Moses’.
4Q45 (4QpaleoDtr) 4QpaleoDeuteronomyr djd ix, 131-152, pi. xxxiv-xxxvi.
Abundant fragments of another copy of Deuteronomy written in palaeo-He-
brew characters.
4Q46 (4QpaleoDeuts) 4QpaleoDeuteronomys djd ix, 153-154, pi. xxxvii. A single
fragment in palaeo-Hebrew of Dt 26.
4Q47 (4QJ0Sha ) 4Qfoshuah E. Ulrich, ‘4Qjoshuaa and Joshua’s First Altar in the
Promised Land’, in G. J. Brooke (ed.), New Qumran Texts and Studies. Proceed-
ings of the First Meeting of the Internationa! Organization , Paris 7992 (stdj 15)
(Leiden 1994), 89-104, PI. 4-6. Fragments of a copy of Joshua with remains of
Josh 2-10.
4Q48 (4QJ0S*) 4Qjfoshual E. Tov, ‘4Qjosh*’, in Z.J. Kapera, Intertestamental Es-
says in Honour ofjozef Tadeusz Milik (Qumranica Mogilanensia 6) (Krakow
1992), 205-212. Five fragments of another copy of Joshua with remains of Jos
2-4 and 17.
4Q49 (4Qjud") 4Qfudgesa J. Trebolle, ‘Textual variants in 4Qjudg" and the tex-
tual and editorial history of the book of Judges’, in The Texts ofQiimran and the
History of the Community. Vol. 1, 229-245. Remains of a copy of Judges.
4Q5° (4QJudA) 4Qjfudgesb J. Trebolle, ‘Edition preliminairede4Qjudges/’. Contri-
bution des manuscrits Qumraniens des Juges a l’etude textuelle et litteraire de
ce livre’. In: E. Puech and F. Garcia Martinez (eds.), Memorial Jean Starchy
Vol. 1 (Gabalda, Paris 1991) 79-100. Two fragments of another copy of Judges.
4Q51 (4QSama) 4QSamuel“ L M. Cross, ‘A New Qumran Biblical Fragment
Related to the Original Hebrew underlying the Septuagint’, basor 132 (1953)
15-26; .-‘The Oldest Manuscript from Qumran’, jbl 74 (1955) 165, n. 40; .-
‘The Ammonite Oppression of the Tribes of Gad and Reuben: Missing Verses
from 1 Sam 11 Found in 4QSamucT’, in: E.Tov (ed.), The Hebrew and Greek
Texts of Samuel. ig8o Proceedings loses (Jerusalem 1980), 105-116. E. Ch.
Ulrich, The Qumran Text of Samuel and Josephus (hsm 19) (Chico 1978) analyses
all the variants and on p. 271 indicates the contents of the whole ms. Copy of
1 and 2 Samuel.
4Q52 (4QSamQ 4QSamuel1’ F.M. Cross, ‘The Oldest Manuscript from Qumran’,
jbl 74 (1955) 147-172, pi. 6; .-The Ancient Library of Qumran, pi. 18. Re-
mains of another copy of Samuel.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
477
4Q53 QqSam' ) 4QSamuelc E.Ch. Ulrich, ‘4QSamuelc: A Fragmentary Manu-
script of 2 Samuel 14-15 fom the Scribe of the Serek Hay-yahad (iqS)’, basor
235 (1979) 1-25, pis. 4-5. Remains of a copy of 1 and 2 Samuel.
4Q54 (4QKgs) 4QKings J. Trebolle, ‘4QKings (4Q54): A Preliminary Edition’, in
J. Trebolle-L. Vegas, (eds.), The Madrid Qumran Congress, 229-246. Remains
of the only copy of 1 Kings preserved.
4Q55 (4Qlsa‘i) 4Qlsaiahu J. Muilenburg, ‘Fragments of Another Qumran Isaiah
Scroll’, basor 135 (1954) 28-32. P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811 provides a list with
detailed contents of all the mss of Isa found at Qumran; all the variants pre-
served have been collected in F. J. Morrow, The Text of Isaiah at Qumran , Diss.
The Catholic University of America 1973.
4Q56 (4QlsaQ 4Qlsaiahb P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 810-811. Another copy of Isa.
4Q57 (4Qlsa‘ ) 4Qlsaiah‘ P. W. Skehan, ‘The Text of Isaias at Qumran’, cbq 17
(1955) 158-163; sdb 51, 811.
4Q58 (4Qlsa^) 4QlsaiahJ P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811.
4Q59 (4Qlsaf) 4Qlsaiahe P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811.
4Q60 <4Qlsa/) 4<jlsaiahl P. W.Skehan, sdb 51, 811.
4Q61 (4Qlsa*) 4QJsaiah>: P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811.
4Q62 (4QlsaA) 4Qlsaiahh P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811. Although numbered as a
single ms, this copy of Isa seems, in fact, to comprise small fragments of 5 dif-
ferent manuscripts.
4Q63 (4Qlsa/) 4Qlsaiahl P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811. A fragment of Isa 1.
4Q64 (4QlsaQ 4Qlsaiahk P. W.Skehan, sdb 51, 811.
4Q65 (4Qlsa/) 4Qlsaiah ' P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811.
4q66 (4Qlsam) 4Qlsaiahm P. W.Skehan, sdb 51, 811. A fragment of Isa 61.
4Q67 (4Qlsa") 4Qlsaiahn P. W. Skehan, SDB5i,8ii.A fragment of Isa 58.
4Q68 (4Qlsa") 4Qlsaiah° P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811.
4Q69 (4QpapIsa/>) 4Qlsaiaht P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 811. Papyrus with remains
of Isa 5.
4Q6pa (4Qlsa°) 4QlsaiahQ P. W.Skehan, sdb 51, 811. A fragment of Isa 54.
4Q6pb (4Qlsar) 4Qlsaiahr Details unknown.
4Q70 (4Qjer“) 4Qferemiah“ F.M. Cross, The Ancient Library of Qumran, 33;J.G.
Janzen, Studies in the Text of Jeremiah (hsm 6) (Harvard University, Cambridge
1973) 173-184. E. Tov, ‘The Jeremiah Scrolls from Cave 4’ in The Texts of
Qumran and the History of the Community. Vol. I, pp. 189-206, modifies the data
provided by Janzen. Copy of Jer of lxx type.
4Q71 (4QjerQ 4Qjeremiahb F.M. Cross, The Ancient Library of Qumran, 139-140;
J. G. Janzen, Studies in the Text of Jeremiah. E. Tov, ‘The Jeremiah Scrolls’,
suggests attributing the three fragments previously attributed to 4Qjer4 to three
different mss; 4Q71 corresponds to the old 4Qjer* 1. A fragment of Jer 9.
4Q7ia (4Qjer^) 4Qjeremiahd [previously denoted by 4Qjer* 2]. E. Tov, ‘Three
Fragments of Jeremiah from Qumran Cave 4’, rq 15/60 (1992), 538-540. A
fragment of Jer 43.
478
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
4Q7ib (4Qjert ) 4 Qjeremiahe [previously denoted by 4tjer* 3]. E. Tov, ‘Three
Fragments of Jeremiah from Qumran Cave 4’, rq 15/60 (1992), 540-541. A
fragment of Jer 50.
4Q72 (4Qjer‘ ) 4Qjeremiahc E. Tov, ‘4Qjerc (4Q72)’, in: G. Norton et al. (eds.),
Tradition of the Text (Gottingen 1991), 248-276, pi. i-vii. The longest copy of
Jer.
4Q73 (4QEz“) 4QEzekielu J. Lust, ‘Ezekiel Manuscripts in Qumran’, in: J. Lust
(ed.), Ezekiel and his Book: Textual and Literary Criticism and their Interrelation
(betl 74) (Leuven 1986) 90-100; photograph in W. Zimmerli, Ezekiel
(Hermeneia) (Fortress, Philadelphia, vol. 1, 1979, vol. 11, 1983); corrections of
readings in: L. A. Sinclair, ‘A Qumran Biblical Fragment: 4QEzfl (Ezek 10, 17-
11,1)’, RQ 14/53 (1989) 99-105 and E.Puech, QqEz": Note additionnelle’, RQ
14/53 (1989) 107-108.
4Q74 (4QEzQ 4QEzekiet J. Lust, ‘Ezekiel Manuscripts in Qumran’. Remains of
chap. 1 of Ez.
4Q75 (4qEz‘) 4QEzekielc A single minute fragment, with remains of Ez 24:2-3.
4Q76 (4QX1F ) 4QMinor Prophets “ R. E. F uller, The Minor Prophets manuscript from
Qumran , Cave 4, Diss. Harvard 1988, 5-38. The mss would have been copied
between 150-125 B. C., conatins remains of Zech, Mai and Jon, and would
occupy a position midway between mt and the lxx.
4Q77 (4QXI1Q 4QMinor Prophet / R.E. Fuller, The Minor Prophets manuscript from
Qumran, 39-53. Only six small fragments have been preserved, with remains
of Zeph and Hag.
4Q78 (4QXH' ) 4 qM inor Prophets1 M.Testuz, ‘Deux fragments inedits des manu-
scripts de la Mer Morte’, Semitica 5 (1955) 37-38. R. E. Fuller, The Minor
Prophets manuscript from Qumran, 55-104. Remains of Hosea, Joel, Amos,
Zephaniah and Malachi. The manuscript cotains many mistakes, but also very
many original readings.
4Q79 (4QX1F) 4QMinor Prophets11 R.E. Fuller, The Minor Prophets manuscript from
Qumran, 105-115. A single fragment from the beginning of the roll, with re-
mains of Hos i:7-2:5.
4Q80 (4QX1F) 4QMinor Prophets e R.E. Fuller, The Minor Prophets manuscript from
Qumran, 116-140. Remains, almost exclusively from Zechariah. The manu-
script is of a textual type related to the lxx.
4Q81 (4QX1F) 4QMinor Prophets -1 R.E. Fuller, The Minor Prophets manuscript from
Qumran, 141-150. A fragment of Jonah and another of Micah.
4Q82 (4QX1F) 4QMinor Prophets? P. W. Skehan, ‘Le travail d’edition’, rb 63
(1956) 59. Remains of Hosea and Nahum.
4Q83 (4QPsa) 4QPsalmsa P. W. Skehan, ‘The Qumran Manuscripts and Textual
Criticism’, 218; ,-sdb 51,8 13-817; .-‘Qumran and Old Testament Criticism’
in M. Delcore (ed.), j Qumran. Sa piete, sa theologie et son milieu (betl 46) (Paris-
Leuven 1988) 173-182, collation of variants of all the Psalms mss from 4Q; G.
H. Wilson, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter (sblds 76) (Chico 1985) 96-98.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
479
4Q84 (4qPs*) 4QPsalmsh P. W. Skehan, ‘A Psalm Manuscript from Qumran
(4QPs*)\ cbq 26 (1964) 313-322; . — sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old Tes-
tament Criticism’, 173-182; G. H. Wilson, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter , 98-
101.
4Q85 (4qPs c) 4QPsalmsc P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182; G. H. Wilson, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter,
101-103.
4Q86 (4QPs J) 4QPsalmsd P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182; G.H. Wilson, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter,
103.
4Q87 (4QPS e) 4QPsalmse P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182; G. H. Wilson, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter,
103-105.
* 4Q88 (4qPsQ 4QPsalmsl J. Starcky, ‘Psaume apocryphes de la grotte 4 de
Qumran (4QPs/ vii-x)’, rb 73 (1966) 350-371, pi. xvm; P. W. Skehan, sdb 51,
813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old Testament Criticism’, 173-182; G. H. Wilson,
The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter, 105-106. [303-304]
4Q89 QqPsQ 4QPsalmf P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182. Remains of Ps 119.
4Q90 (4QPs h) 4QPsalmsh P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182. Remains of Ps 1 19.
4Q91 (4QPs ') 4QPsalmd P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182.
4Q92 QqPsQ 4QPsalmsk P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; . - ‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182.
4Q93 (4QPs/) 4QPsalmsl P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182. Remains of Ps 104.
4Q94 (4QPsra) 4QPsalmsm P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182.
4Q95 (4QPs“) 4QPsalmsn P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182.
4Q96 (4QPs") 4QPsalms" P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182.
4Q97 QqPsQ 4QPsalmsp P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; . -‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182. Remains of Ps 143.
4Q98 QqPs9) 4QPsalmsQ J. T. Milik, ‘Deux documents inedits du Desert de
Juda’, Biblica 38 (1957) 245-255, pi. 1; P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817;
‘Qumran and Old Testament Criticism’, 173-182.
4Q98a (4QPsr) 4QPsalmsr P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182.
4Qg8b (4qPss) 4QPsalmss P. W. Skehan, sdb 51, 813-817; . -‘Qumran and Old
Testament Criticism’, 173-182; .-‘Gleanings from Psalm Texts from Qumran’
480
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
in: A. Caquot and M. Delcor (eds.), Melanges bibliques et orientaux en I’honneur
de M. Henri Gazelles (aoat 212) (Kevelaer/Neukirchen-Vluyn 1981) 445-448.
4Q98C (4QPs. frg. 1) 4QPsaIms fragment 1 E. Ulrich, ‘The Biblical Manuscripts
from Cave 4’, 226.
4Q98d (4QPs. frg. 2) qQPsalms Fragment 2 E. Ulrich, ‘The Biblical Manuscripts
from Cave 4’, 226.
4QPS89 (4Q236) 4QPsalm 8q J. T. Milik, ‘Fragment d’une source du psautier
(4QPS89) et fragments de Jubiles, du Document de Damas, d’un phylactere
dans la grotte 4 de Qumran’, rb 73 (1966) 95-98, pi. 1; P. W. Skehan, sdb 51,
813-817; .-‘Qumran and Old Testament Criticism’, 173-182; .-‘Gleanings
from Psalm Texts from Qumran’ in: Melanges bibliques et orientaux en I’honneur
de M. Henri Cazelles, 439-445. Remains of Ps 89.
4qPs 122 (4Q522) 4QPsalm 122 E. Puech, ‘Fragments du Psaume 122 dans un
manuscrit hebreu de la Grotte iv’, rq 9/36 (1978) 547-554. Part of a non-bibli-
cal ms of Starcky’s lot, with remains of Ps 122.
4Q99 (4Qjob" ) 4Qjfob“ F.M. Cross, ‘Le travail d’edition’, rb 63 (1956) 57; .- The
Ancient Library, 121. Remains of Job 36.
4Q100 (4QJ0U) 4Qfobh Minute remains of another copy of Job.
4Q101 (4QpaleoJob‘ ) 4QpaleoJobc djd ix, 155-157, pi. xxxvii. Remains of Job
13-14 in palaeo-Hebrew script.
4Q102 (4QProva) 4QProverbsa P. W. Skehan, ‘Le travail d’edition’, rb 63 (1956)
59-
4Q103 (4QProv/’ ) 4QProverbsh A single fragment of a stichometric copy of Prov-
erbs.
4Q104 (4QRuth<I) 4QRutha Three fragments of a copy of Ruth, including the
beginning of the book.
4Q105 QQRuthQ 4QRulhh Three minute fragments of another copy of Ruth.
4Q 106 (4QCanU ) 4QCanticlesa A single fragment with remains of two columns
of Cant.
4Q107 (4Q('ant/’) 4QCanticlesb Two fragments of another copy of Cant. The
longest has remains of Cant 2:9-3:!.
4Q108 (4QCant‘) 4QCanticlesc Three minute fragments of possibly another copy
of Cant.
4Q109 (4QQoh“) qQQohelef J. Muilenburg, ‘A Qohelet Scroll from Qumran’,
basor 135 (1954), 20-28; E. Ulrich, ‘Ezra and Qohelet Manuscripts from
Qumran’, in E. Ulrich et al. , Priest, Prophets and Scribes. Essays on the Formation
and Heritage of Second Temple Judaism in Honour of Joseph Blenkinsopp (jsots
149) (Sheffield 1992), 142-147. pi. 2.
4Q110 (4QQ0U) 4QQoheletb E. Ulrich, ‘Ezra and Qohelet Manuscripts from
Qumran’, 148, pi. 1. Two fragments of another copy of Qoh with remains of
Qoh 1:101-14.
4Q111 (4QLam'1) 4QI .amentalions F.M. Cross, ‘Studies in the Structure of He-
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
481
brew Verse: The Prosody of Lamentations 1:1-22’, in: C. L. Meyers and M.
O’Connor, The Word of the Lord Shall Go Forth (Winona Lake 1983) 129-155
[photograph p. 13 1; description of MSS, transcription and reconstruction, 133-
135]-
4Q1 12 (4QDan") 4QDanieT E. Ulrich, ‘Daniel Manuscripts from Qumran. Part
1: A Preliminary Edition of 4QDan‘”, basor 268 (1987) 17-37.
4Q1 13 (4QDan*) 4QDamelb E. Ulrich, ‘Daniel Manuscripts from Qumran. Part
2: Preliminary Editions of 4QDan/’ and 4QDan/”, basor 274 (1989) 3-26.
4Q114 (4Ql )an‘ ) 4QDanielc E. Ulrich, ‘Daniel Manuscripts from Qumran. Part
2’, 3-26.
4Q1 15 (4QDanQ 4QDanield E. Ulrich, ‘Daniel Manuscripts from Qumran’, 17-
18.
4Q116 (4Ql )an‘ ) 4QDaniele E. Ulrich, ‘Daniel Manuscripts from Qumran’, 17-
18. Remains of Dn 9.
4Q117 (4QEzra) 4QEzra F. M. Cross, ‘Le travail d’edition’, rb 63 (1956) 58.
Three snail fragments with remains of Ezr 4-5.
4Q118 (4QChr) 4QChronicles J.Trebolle, ‘Edition preliminairede4QChroniques’,
rq 15/60 (1992) 523-529. A single fragment with remains of five lines.
4Q119 (4QLXxLev“) 4QSeptuagint Leviticus' 1 djd ix, 161-165, pi. xxxviii. A col-
umn of Lev in Greek, with remains of Lev 16.
4Q120 (qQpapi.xxLev*) 4QSeptuagint Leviticus11 djd ix, 167-186, pi. xxxix-xli.
Papyrus fragments of the first thirteen columns of a copy of Lev in Greek,
with remains of Lev 1-5. E. Ulrich, ‘The Greek Manuscripts of the Pentateuch
from Qumran, including newly-identified fragments of Deuteronomy
(4QLXxDeut)’ in: A. Pietersma and C. Cox (eds.), De Septuagint. Studies in Hon-
our of John William Wevers on his sixty-fifth birthday (Mississauga 1984) 71-
72.79-80, provides a study of all the variants.
4Q121 QQLXxNum) 4QSeptuagint Numbers djd ix, 187-194, pi. xlii-xliii. P.
W. Skehan, ‘The Qumran Manuscripts and Textual Criticism’, 155-157; . -
QQLXxNum: A Pre-Christian Reworking of the Septuagint’, htr 70 (1977) 39-
50-
4Q122 (4QLXxDeut ) 4QSeptuagint Deuteronomy djd ix, 195-197. pi. xliii. E.
Ulrich, ‘The Greek Manuscripts of the Pentateuch from Qumran’, 72-77. Re-
mains of Dt 11 in Greek.
4Q123 (4QpaleoParaJosh) 4QParaphrase of Joshua djd ix, 201-202, pi. xlvi. E.
Ulrich, ‘The Biblical Manuscripts from Cave 4’, 211. Pseudo-Joshua, a non-
biblical text in palaeo-Hebrew characters.
4Q124 (4QpaleoUnid[i]) 4Qunidentified paleo-Hebrew text 1 djd ix, 205-214, pi.
xliv-xlv. E. Ulrich, ‘The Biblical Manuscripts from Cave 4’, 211. Unidenti-
fied ms in palaeo-Hebrew script.
4Q125 (4QpaleoUnid[2]) 4Qunidentified paleo-Hebrew text 2 djd ix, 2 1 5, pi. xlvi.
E. Ulrich, ‘The Biblical Manuscripts from Cave 4’, 211. Unidentified ms in
palaeo-Hebrew script.
482
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
4Q126 (4QUnid gr) 4Qun classified text djd ix, 219-221, pi. XLVI. E. Ulrich, ‘The
Biblical Manuscripts from Cave 4’, 211. Unidentified Greek fragments.
4Q127 (4QpapParaExod) 4QParaphrase of Exodus djd ix, 223-242, pi. xlvii. E.
Ulrich, ‘The Biblical Manuscripts from Cave 4’, 211. Unidentified Greek frag-
ments related to Exodus.
4Q128 (4qPIi\T) 4QPhylactery A K.G.Kuhn, Phylaktenen aus Hohle 4von Qum-
ran (Heidelberg 1957) 15-16, pis. 9-10; J. T. Milik, Discoveries in the Judaean
Desert vi (Oxford 1977 = djd vi), 47-51, pis. vii-vm. Obverse: remains of Dt
5:5-14; 5:27-6:3; 10:12-11:17; reverse: remains ofDt 11:18-21; Ex 12:43-13:7.
4Q129 (4QPhyl/’) 4QPhylactery B K. G. Kuhn, Phylaktenen aus Hohle 4 von Qum-
ran , 11-15, pis. 1-4; J. T. Milik, djd vi, 51-53, pi. ix. Obverse: remains of Dt
5: 1-6:2; reverse: remains of Ex 13:9-16.
4Q130 (4QPhyl‘ ) 4QPhylactery C J. T. Milik, djd vi, 53-55, pis. x-xi. Remains
of Ex 13:1-16; Dt 6:4-9; 11:13-21.
4Q131 (4QPhyl‘/) 4QPhylactery D J. T. Milik, djd vi, 55-56, pi. xii. Remains of
Dt 11:13-21.
4Q132 (4QPhyF) 4Q?hylactery E J.T. Milik, djd vi, 56-57, pi. xm. Remains of
Ex 13:1-10.
4Q133 (4QPhvP) 4QPhylactery F J. T. Milik, djd vi, 57, pi. xiv. Remains of Ex
13:11-16.
4Q134 (4QPhyF) 4QPhylactery G J. T. Milik, djd vi, 58-60, pi. xv. Obverse:
remains of Dt 5:1-21; reverse: remains of Ex 13:11-12.
4Q135 (4QPhyl/') 4QPhylactery H K. G. Kuhn, Phylaktenen aus Hohle 4 von
Qumran, 16-20, pis. 1 1.14; J.T. Milik, djd vi, 60-62, pi. xvi. Obverse: remains
of Dt 5:22-2:5; obverse: remains of Ex 13:14-16.
4Q136 (4QPhyl') 4QPhylactery I J. T. Milik, ‘Fragment d’une source du
Psautier’, rb 73 (1966) 105-106, pi. lib; .-djd vi, 62-63, pi. xvii. Obverse:
remains of Dt 11:13-21; Ex 12:43-13:10; reverse: remains of Dt 6:6-7 (?)■
4Q137 (4QPhyP) 4QPhylactery J K.G.Kuhn, Phylaktenen aus Hohle 4 von
Qumran , 5-11, pis. 5-8; J. T. Milik, djd vi, 64-67, pis. xvm-xix. Obverse:
remains of Dt 5:1-24; reverse: remains of Dt 5:24-32; 6:2-3.
4Q138 (4QPhyl*) 4QPhylactery K J. T. Milik, djd vi, 67-69, pi. xx. Obverse:
remains of Dt 10:12-11:7; reverse: remains of Dt 11:7-12.
4Q139 (4QPhyl;) 4QPhylactery L J.T. Milik, djd vi, 70, pi. xxii. Remains of Dt
5:7-24-
4Q140 (4QPhyl”!) 4QPhylactery M J. T. Milik, djd vi, 71-72, pi. xxi. Obverse:
remains of Ex 12:44-13:10; reverse: remains of Dt 5:33-6:5.
4Q141 (4QPhyl") 4Q?hylactery N J.T. Milik, djd vi, 72-74, pi. xxii. Remains
of Dt 32:14-20.32-33.
4Q142 (4QPhyl0) 4QPhylactery 0 J. T. Milik, djd vi, 74-75, pi. xxii. Obverse:
remains of Dt 5:1-16; reverse: remains of Dt 6:7-9.
4Q143 GqI’IivT) 4Q?hylactery P J.T. Milik, djd vi, 75-76, pi. xxm. Obverse:
remains of Dt 10:22-11:3; reverse: remains of Dt 11:18-21.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
483
4Q144 (4QPhylc) 4QPhylactery Q J. T. Milik, djd vi, 76, pi. xxm. Obverse:
remains of Dt 1 1:4-8; reverse: remains of Ex 13:4-9.
4Q145 (4QPhylr) 4QPhylactery R J. T. Milik, djd vi, 77-78, pi. xxm. Obverse:
remains of Ex 13:1-7; reverse: remains of Ex 13:7-10.
4Q146 (4QPhyls) 4QPhylactery S J.T. Milik, djd vi, 78, pi. xm. Remains of Dt
11:19-21.
4Q 147- 148 (4QPhyl'’“) 4QPhylactery T, U J.T. Milik, djd vi, 79, pis. xxiv-xxv.
Undeciphered phylacteries.
4Q149 (4QMeza) 4QMezuzah A J. T. Milik, djd vi, 80-81, pi. xxvi. Remains of
Ex 20:7-12.
4Q150 (4QMez/' ) 4QMezuzah B J. T. Milik, djd vi, 81, pi. xxvi. Remains of Dt
6:5-6; 10:14-11:2.
4Q151 (4QMez‘ ) 4QMezuzah C J.T. Milik, djd vi, 82-83, pi. xvn. Remains of
Dt 5:27-6:99; 10:12-20.
4Q152 (4QMez</) 4QMezuzah D J.T. Milik, djd vi, 83, pi. xxvi. Remains of Dt
6:5-7-
4Q153 (4QMez<’) 4QMezuzah E J. T. Milik, djd vi, 83, pi. xxvi. Remains of Dt
11:17-18.
4Q154 (4QMez^) 4QMezuzah F J.T. Milik, djd vi, 83-84, pi. xxvi. Remains of
Ex 13:1-4.
4Q155 (4QMez-f) 4QMezuzah G J.T. Milik, djd vi, 84-85, pi. xxv. Remains of
Ex 13:11-18.
cave 4 Non-biblical manuscripts
* 4Q156 (4QtgLev) 4QTargum of Leviticus djd vi, 86-89, pi. xxvii. Minute remains
of an Aramaic Targum of Leviticus. [143]
* 4Q157 (4QtgJob )4QTargum of Job J.T. Milik, djd vi, 90, pi. xxvm. Minute re-
mains of an Aramaic Targum on Job. [143]
* 4Q 158 (4QRP") 4QReworked Pentateuch “ J. M. Allegro, Discoveries in the Judaean
Desert of Jordan ((Oxford 1968) (=djd v>, 1-6, pi. 1. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 168-
175. Paraphrase of Gn 32:25-32; Ex 24:27-28. Gn 32:31 (?). Ex 3:12; 24:4-6;
19:17-23; 20:19-22; Dt 5:29; 15:18-20.22; Ex 20:12.16.17; Dt 5:30-31; Ex
20:22-26; 21:1.3.4.6.8.10; 21:15.16.18.20.22.25; 21:32.34.35-37; 22:1-11.13;
30:32-34- [219-222]
* 4Q159 (4QOrda) 4Q0rdinances“ J. M. Allegro, ‘An Unpublished Fragment of
Essene Halakah (4QOrdinances)’, jss 6 (1961) 71-73; .-djd v, 6-9, p. 11. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 175-179. Halakhic text which rephrases biblical precepts:
Dt 23:25-26; Ex 30:12; Lv 25:42; Dt 22:5; 22:13-14; see 4Q513 and 4Q514. [86-
87]
* 4Q160 (4QVisSam) 4QVision of Samuel J. M. Allegro, djd v, 9-11, pi. in. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 179-183. Apocryphon focused on the figure of Samuel.
Fragment 1 is a paraphrase of 1 Sam 3:14-17. [284]
484
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
4Q161 (4QpIsa") 4Qlsaiah Pesher a J.M. Allegro, ‘Further Messianic Reflections
in Qumran Literature’, jbl 75 (1956) 177-182, pis. 11-in; ,-djd v, 11-15, pis.
iv-v. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 183-186. Commentary on Isa 10:20-21.22.24-27.28-
32.33-34; 11: i-5- [185-186]
4Q162 (4Qplsah) 4Qlsaiuh Pesher1’ J. M. Allegro, ‘More Isaiah Commentaries
from Qumran’s Fourth Cave’, jbl 77 (1958) 215-218, pi. 1; ,-djd v, 15-17, pi.
vi. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 186-188.199-204. Commentary on Isa 5:5-6.! 1-14.24-
25.29-30; 6:9 (?). [186-187]
4Q!^3 (4Qpl ) 4Qhaiah Pesher1 J. M. Allegro, ‘More Isaiah Commentaries’,
218-220, pi. 2; . — djd v, 17-27, pis. vii-viii. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 188-195.
Commentary on Isa 8:7.8.91?); 9:n(?).i4-2o; 10: 12. 13. 19C). 20-24; 14:8.26-30;
19:9-12; 29:10-11.15-16.19-23; Zech 11:11; Isa 30:1-5.15-18; Hos 6:9; Isa
30:19-21; 31:1; 32:5-6. Other unidentified fragments can be found in 4Q515.
[187-190]
4Q164 (4QpIsa‘/) 4Qlsaiali Pesheijl J. M. Allegro, ‘More Isaiah Commentaries’,
220-221, pi. 3; ,-djd v, 27-28, pi. ix. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 195-196. Commen-
tary on Isa 54:11-12. [190-191]
4Q165 (4QpIsa‘l) 4Qlsaiah PesheP J.M. Allegro, djd v, 28-30, pi. ix.J. Strugnell,
‘Notes’, 197 <hhp> 199. Commentary on Isa i:i(?); 40:12; 14:19; 15:4-6;
2 1 :2(?). 11-15; 32:5_7- [191]
4Q166 (4QpHos“) 4QHosea PesheP J.M. Allegro, ‘A Recently Discovered Frag-
ment of a Commentary on Hosea from Qumran’s Fourth Cave’, jbl 78 (1959)
142-147; djd v, 31-32, pi. x. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 199-201. Commentary on
Hos 2:8-9.10-14. [191-192]
4Q167 QQpHosQ 4QHosea Pesher1’ J. M. Allegro, ‘Further Light on the History
of the Qumran Sect’, jbl 75 (1956) 93, pi. 2; ,-djd v, 32-36, pis. x-xi. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 201-203. Commentary on Hos 5:13-15; 6:4.7.9-10; 8:6-7. 13-
14. [192-193]
4Q168 (4QpMic) (?) 4QMicah Pesher (?) J. M. Allegro, djd v, 36, pi. xii. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 204. Commentary on Mic 4:8-12. [194-195]
4Q169 (4QpNah) 4QNahum Pesher J.M. Allegro, ‘Further Light on the History
of the Qumran Sect’, 90-93, pi. 1; .-‘More Unpublished Pieces of a Qumran
Commentary on Nahum QQpNah)’, jss 7 (1962) 304-308; ,-djd v, 37-42, pis.
xii-xiv. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 204-210. Commentary on Nah 1:3-6; 2:12-14;
3:1-5.6-9.10-12.14. [195-197]
4Q170 (4QpZeph) 4QZephaniah Pesher. J.M. Allegro djd v, 42, pi. xiv. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 210-211. Commentary on Zeph 1:12-13. [203]
4Q171 (4QpPs“) 4QPsalms PesheP J.M. Allegro,1 A Newly Discovered Fragment
of a Commentary on Psalms xxxvii’, peq 86 (1954) 69-75; .-‘Further Light
on the History of the Qumran Sect’, 94-95, pi. 4. H. Stegemann, ‘Weitere
Stiicke von 4QpPsalm 37’, rq 6/22 (1967) 193-210, pi. 1; J.M. Allegro, djd v,
42-51, pis. xiv-xvii. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 21 1-218. Commentary on Ps 37:7-8-
19a. 196-26.280-40; Ps 45:1-2; Ps 60:8-9 (Ps 108:8-9). [203-206]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
485
4Q172 (4QpUnid) Unidentified Pesher J. M. Allegro, djd v, 5051, pi. xvm. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 218-2 19. Unidentified pesher. Possibly part of 4Q 16 1, 4Q 167
or 4Q171.
4Q173 (4QpPs h) 4QPsalms Pesher1, J. M. Allegro, djd v, 51-53, pi. xvm. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 219-220. Commentary on Ps 127:2-3.5; Ps 129:7-8; Ps
118:26-27 (■)■ [206-207]
4Q174 (4QFlor) 4QFlorilegium J.M. Allegro, ‘Further Messianic References’, jbl
75 (1956) 176-177, pi. 1; .-‘Fragments of a Qumran Scroll of Eschatological
Midrashim’, jbl 77 (1958) 350-354; .-djd v, 53-57, pis. xix-xx. J. Strugnell,
‘Notes’, 220-225. Florilegium made up quotations from: 2 Sam 7:10-14 (1 Chr
17:9-13); Ex 15:17-18; Am 9:11; Ps 1:1; Isa 8:11; Ez 37:23 (?); Ps 2:1 with
pesher; Dn 12:10 and 11:32 with pesher; Dt 33:8-11 with pesher; Dt 33:121?)
with pesher; Dt 33:19-21 with pesher and unidentified fragments. The whole
is presented as a commentary on Psalms 1-2. A. Steudel, Der Midrasch zur
Eschatologie aus der Qumrangemetnde (4QMidrEschaf~b ) (stdj 13) (Leiden
1994)> 5-53- [136-137]
4Q175 (4QTest) 4QTestimonia J. M. Allegro, ‘Further Messianic References’,
182-187, pl- 4; -DJD v, 57-60, pi. xxi. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 225-229. Collec-
tion of quotations from Dt 5:28-29; 18:18-19 (Samaritan form of Ex 20:21);
Num 24:15-17; Dt 33:8-11; Jos 6:26 and from the apocryphal work ‘Psalms of
Joshua’ (4Q378-4Q379). [137-138]
4Q176 (4QTanh) 4QTanhmmm J.M. Allegro, djd v, 60-67, pis. xxii-xxiii. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 229-236. Anthology of biblical passages of consolation, prin-
cipally from Deutero-Isaiah. quotations of and commentaries on Ps 79:2-3; Isa
40:1-5; 41:8-9; 49:7. 13-17; 43:1-2.4-6; 51:22-23; 52:1-3; 54:4-10; 52:1-2; Zech
13:9. [208-209J
4Q 176 fragments 19-2 1 ( 4Qjfub f 4Qffubilees^ , M. Kister, ‘Newly-identified Frag-
ments of the Book of Jubilees: Jub 23,21-23. 30-31’, RQ 12/48 (1987) 529-536.
He identifies fragments 19-20 of 4Q176 as Jub 23:2 1-23, and fragment 21 as Jub
23:30-31. The fragments would come from 4Qjubc [244]
4Q177 (4QCatena“) 4QCatena“ J. M. Allegro, djd v, 67-74, pis. xxiv-xxv. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 236-248. Exegesis of eschatalogical character in the form of
a commentary on Pss 6-17, with the use of other quotations and biblical allu-
sions. [209-211]
4Q178 unclassified fragments J. M. Allegro, djd v, 74-75, pl. xxv. J. Strugnell,
‘Notes’, 248-249. Unidentified fragments.
4Q179 (4QapocrLam A) 4QApocryphal Lamentations A J.M. Allegro, djd v,75~
77, pl. xxvi. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 250-252. Lamentation in verse on the de-
struction of Jerusalem. [401-402]
4Q180 (4QAgesCreat) 4QAges of Creation J. M. Allegro, ‘Some Unpublished
Fragments of Pseudepigraphical Literature from Qumran’s Fourth Cave’,
aluos 4 (1962-63) 3-4; .-djd v, 77-79, pl. xxvii. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 252-
486
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
254. Commentary on salvation history and on the periods of sin, starting from
the fall of the angels. J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-resa' dans les anciens
ecrits juifs et Chretiens’, jjs 23 (1972) 109-126 and The Books of Enoch , 248-
252, suggests considering this ms and 4Q181 as parts of a single work: ‘Pesher
on (the book of) the Periods’, of which liQMelch would be another copy; but
see D.Dimant, ‘The ‘Pesher on the Periods’ (4Q180) and 4Q181’, Israel Orien-
tal Studies 9 (1979) 77-102. [211-212]
4Q181 (4QAgesCreat ) 4QAges of Creation J. M. Allegro, ‘Some Unpublished
Fragments’, 4-5; . -djd v, 79-80, pi. xvm.J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 254-255. Doc-
ument which describes the destiny of the chosen and the damned. See the
studies cited in the previous number. [212-213]
4Q182 (4QCatenai) 4QCatenah J.M. Allegro, djd v, 80-81, pi. xxvn.J.Strugnell,
‘Notes’, 256. Document similar to 4Q177, with a possible quotation of Jer 5:7.
[213]
4Q183 4QHistorical Work J. M. Allegro, djd v, 81-82, pi. xxvi. J. Strugnell,
‘Notes’, 256-257. Document of historical-exegetical character, although it is
not possible to specify which biblical text it comments on. [213]
4Q184 4QWiles of the Wicked Woman J. M. Allegro, ‘The Wiles of the Wicked
Woman: A Sapiential Work from Qumran’s Fourth Cave’, peq (1964) 53-55;
.-djd v, 82-85, pl- xxviii. J. Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 263-268. Allegorical wisdom
poem on Need, personified as a woman, inspired by Prov 7 and with obvious
magical connotations. [379-380]
4Q185 4QSapiential Work J. M. Allegro, djd v, 85-87, pis. xxix-xxx. J.
Strugnell, ‘Notes’, 269-273. Wisdom discourse in which the author urges the
seeking of wisdom or the Law. [380-382]
4Q186 4QHoroscope J. M. Allegro, ‘An Astrological Cryptic Document from
Qumran’, jss 9 (1964) 291-294; .-djd v, 88-91, pl. xxxi. xxxi. J. Strugnell,
‘Notes’, 274-276. Physiognomical and astrological text which determines the
parts of light and darkness each person possesses. [456]
[The numbers 4Q 187- 195 of the series do not seem to have been assigned to
any manuscript].
4Q196 (4QTob ar") 4QTobif J.T.Milik, ‘La patrie de Tobie’, rb 73 (1956) 522,
where Milik lists the contents of the preserved fragments; .-Dedicaces faites par
desdieux (Palmy re, Hatra, Tyr) etdes thiases semitiques a Tepoque romaine (Paris
1972) 149, 199, 210, 384 and The Books of Enoch , 163, 186, where he cites
4QTobaram“ 2 11 5; 2 in 2 and 4. Aramaic original of the biblical book of Tob-
ias. Copy written out on papyrus. Plenty of fragments although only one is a
good size. [293-294]
4QJ97 (4QTob ar*) 4QTobith J. T. Milik, ‘La patrie de Tobie’, 522; Dedicaces ,
210, 379 and The Books of Enoch, 191 with quotations of 4QTob ar* 1 xx 2.8 and
2 in 2. K. Beyer, Die aramdischen Texte vom Toten Meer. Ergdnzungsband (Got-
tingen 1994), 134- 147. Aramaic original of Tobias. It is the copy with most text
preserved. [295-297]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
487
4Q198 (4QTob ar c) jQTobit1 J. T. Milik, ‘La patrie de Tobie’, 522. K. Beyer,
Erganzungsband , 134-147. Only two fragments, with remains of Tob 14. [297]
4Q199 (4QTob ar^) 4QTobif J. T. Milik, ‘La patrie de Tobie’, 522. K. Beyer,
Erganzungsband , 134-147. A single fragment with a few words. [297]
4Q200 (4QTob hebr) jQTobif J. T. Milik, ‘La patrie de Tobie’, 522. K. Beyer,
Erganzungsband , 134-147. Remains of a Hebrew version or of the original of
Tobias. Only a few fragments are good-sized. [297-299]
4Q201 (4QEna ar) 4QEnoch“ J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch. Aramaic Fragments
from Qumran Cave 4 (Oxford 1976) 139-163, 340-343, pis. i-v. Copy of the
Book of the Watchers from 1 Enoch. Remains of 1 En 1:1-6; 2: 1-5.6; 614-8:1;
8:3-90; 9:6-8; 10:3-4.21-11:1; 12:4-6; 14:4-6. [246-248]
4Q202 (4QEn* ar) 4QEnochb J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch , 164-178, 344-346,
pis. vi-ix. Another copy of the Book of Watchers from 1 Enoch. Remains of
1 En 5:9-60; 6:7-8:15 8:2-90; 10:8-12. [248-250]
4Q203 OQEnGiants" ar) 4QBook of Giants'1 J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch , 3 10-
317, pis. xxx-xxxii. Copy of the Book of Giants. [260-261]
4Q204 (4QEn‘ ar) 4QEnochl J.T. Milik, ‘Henoch au pays des aromates (ch. xxvii
a xxxii): Fragments arameens de la grotte 4 de Qumran’, rb 65 (1958) 70-77,
pi. 1; .-The Books of Enoch, 178-217, 346-353, pis. ix-xv. Copy of the Book of
Watchers, the Book of Giants (4QEnGiants“ ), the Book of Dreams and the
Letter of Enoch, from 1 Enoch. Remains of 1 En 1:9-5:156:7; 10:13-19; 12:3;
13:6-14: 16; 14: 18-20; 15:11 (?); 18:8-12; 30: 1-32: 1; 35; 36: 1-4; 89:3 1-37; 104: 13-
106:2; 106:13-107:2. [250-254]
4Q205 (4QEn‘/ ar) 4QEnochd J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch , 217-225, 353-355,
pis. xvi-xvii. Copy of the Book of Watchers and the of the Book of Dreams,
from 1 Enoch. Remains of 1 En 22:13-24:1; 25:7-27:1; 89:11-14; 89:29-31;
89:43-44- [254-2551
4Q206 (4QEn‘' ar) 4QEnoche J. T. Milik, ‘Henoch au pays des aromates’, 70-77,
pi. 1; .-The Books of Enoch, 225-244, 355-359, pis. xvm-xxi. Copy of the Book
of Watchers, the Book of Giants QQEnGiants'’ ?) and the Book of Dreams,
from 1 Enoch. Remains of 1 En 18:15 (?); 21:2-4; 22:3-7; 28:3-29:2; 31:2-32:3;
32:3-6; 33:3-34:L 88:3-89:6; 89:7-16; 89:26-30. [256-257]
4Q207 (4QEn/ar) 4QEnochl J.T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 244-245, 359, pl.xxi.
Copy of the Book of Dreams from 1 Enoch. Remains of 1 En 86:1-3. [258]
4Q208 (4QEnastrIi ar) 4QAstronomical Enoch “ J.T. Milik, The Books ofEnoch, 273 .
Description of the MS. Its 36 fragments are still unpublished. A copy of the
Astronomical Book of 1 Enoch. Contains only remains of a synchronous calen-
dar.
4Q209 (4QEnastr* ar) 4QAstronomical Enochb J. T. Milik, ‘Henoch au pays des
aromates’, 76; .-‘Problemes de la litterature henochique a la lumiere des frag-
ments arameens de Qumran’, htr 64 (1971) 338-343; The Books ofEnoch , 278-
284, 288-296, pis. xxv-xxvii, xxx. Another copy of the Astronomical Book.
488
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
Remains of a synchronous calendar and of other passages corresponding to: 1
En 76:13-77:4; 78:9-12; 79:3-5 + 78:17-79:2; 82: 9-13. [445-448]
4Q210 (4QEnastr‘ ar) 4QAstronomical Enoch ‘ J. T. Milik, ‘Henoch au pays des
animates’, 76; .-The Books of Enoch, 284-288, pis. xxvm, xxx. Another copy
of the Astronomical Book of 1 Enoch. Remains of 1 En 76:3-10; 76:13-77:4;
78:6-8. [448-449]
4Q21 1 (4QEnastr‘/ar) 4QAstronomical EnochJ J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 296-
297, pi. xxix. Another copy of the Astronomical Book of 1 Enoch. Remains of
three cols, which would follow 1 En 82:20. [449-450]
4Q212 (4QEne ar) 4QEnoch? J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 245-272, 360-362,
pis. xxi-xxiv. Copy of the Letter of Enoch from 1 Enoch, remains of 1 En
91:10 (?); 9 1 : 18-19; 92: 1-2; 92:5-93:4; 93:9-10; 91:11-17; 93: 1 1-94:2. [258-259]
4Q213 (4QTLeviu ar) 4QAramaic Levia J. T. Milik, ‘Le Testament de Levi en
arameen: Fragment de la grotte 4 de Qumran’, rb 62 (1955) 398-406, pi. iv; .
-RB 73 (1966) 95, n.2; .-‘Problemes de la litterature henochique’, 344-345; .-
The Books of Enoch, 23-24, 263. M. E. Stone and J. C. Greenfield, ‘The Prayer
of Levi’, jbl 112 (1993), 247-266. R.Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered (Shaftesbury 1992) 136-141. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungshand, 71-
78. Remains of an Aramaic work related to the Aramaic Testament of Levi
from the Geniza and the Greek Testament of Levi which forms part of the
Testaments of the xii Patriarchs. [266-268]
4Q2!4 (4QTLevi* ar) 4QAramaic Levih J. T. Milik, rb 73 (1966) 95, n.2; . - The
Books of Enoch, 214, 244, 188-209. R- Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered , 136-141. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungshand ', 71-78. Another copy of
the same work. [268-269]
4Q215 (4QT Naph) 4 q’I estament ofNaphtali R.Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead
Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 156-160. Hebrew Testament of Nephtali, not related to
Testament of Nephtali which forms part of Testaments of the xii Patriarchs.
[270-271]
4Q216 (4Qjub“) 4Qjuhileesa J.C.VanderKam and J.T. Milik, ‘The First Jubilees
Manuscript from Qumran Cave 4: A Preliminary Publication’, jbl 110 (1991)
243_27°- R *s the oldest copy of Jubilees. Copied by two different scribes. [238-
240]
4Q217 (4QJub*) 4Qfubileesh Possibly a copy of the Book of Jubilees on papyrus.
4Q218 (4Qjub‘ ) 4Qfubileesc A single fragment with remains of four lines, corre-
sponding to Jubilees 2:26-27.
4Q219 QoJubQ 4Qjubileesfi J. C. VanderKam and J. T. Milik, ‘A Preliminary
Publication of a Jubilees Manuscript from Qumran Cave 4: 4Qjub^ (4Q219)’,
Biblica 73 (1992), 62-83. Copy of the Book of Jubilees, with remains of ch. 21.
[242-243]
4Q220 (4Qjubl) 4Qfubileese A single fragment, with remains of Jubilees 21:5-10.
[242]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
489
* 4Q221 (4Qjut/) 4Qjubileesf J. T. Milik, ‘Fragment d’une source du Psauder
(4QPS89) et fragments de Jubiles, du Document de Damas, d’un phylactere
dans la grotte 4 de Qumran’, rb 73 (1966) 104, pi. II. Copy of the Book of Jubi-
lees. Remains of Jubilees 21-23. 33 and 37-39- [243-244]
o 4Q222 (4Qjul/) 4(jjubileesf J. C. VanderKam and J. T. Milik, '40jubilces"
(4Q222), New Qumran Texts and Studies , 105-114, PI. 7. Six fragments with
meagre remains of Jubilees 25 and 27.
o 4Q223-224 (4Qjub*) 4Qjfubileesh Copy of Jubilees on papyrus. In spite of the
double number it is a single manuscript. Remains of the last chapters of the
Book of Jubilees.
o 4Q225 (4QpsJuba ) 4 (jPseudo -Jubilees11 B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, A Pre-
liminary Edition of the Unpublished Dead Sea Scrolls. Fascicle Two (Washington
1992), 204-206. Composition related to the Book of Jubilees,
o 4Q226 (4QpsJub*). 4 (jPse u do -Jub il eesh B. Z. Wacholder and M . G. Abegg, Fascicle
Two , 207-210. Composition related to the Book of Jubilees.
* 4Q227 (4Qpsfub‘ ) 4QPseudo-jfubileesc J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch , 12, 14, 25,
60. B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two, 211. Hebrew apocryphon
related to Jubilees and 1 Enoch. Only one fragment of this ms has been pre-
served. [245]
o 4Q228 Work with citation of Jubilees Remains of work which cites the Book of
Jubilees (?). The biggest fragment, with remains of two columns, seems to con-
tain the ending of the work.
4Q229 Pseudepigraphic work in Mishnaic Hebrew Remains of a pseudepigraphic
work in Mishnaic Hebrew (?). Details unknown,
o 4Q230-23 1 Catalogue of Spirits" b Catalogues of the names of the spirits (?). De-
tails unknown.
4Q232 (4QNJ ?) 4QNew Jerusalem (?) J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 59. He-
brew version (?) of the Aramaic work: Description of the New Jerusalem. Only
one fragment of this ms has been preserved,
o 4Q233 Fragments with place names Fragments with geographical names. Details
unknown.
o 4Q234 Writing exercise Fragments with writing exercises. Contains Gn 27:20.
o 4Q235 Fragments in Nabataean writing Three fragments in the Nabataean script
with remains of the Book of Kings.
4Q236 ( = 4QPS89) (supra)
4Q237 Psalter (?) Details unknown.
4Q238 Habakkuk j and songs Details unknown,
o 4Q239 Pesher on the True Israel Details unknown,
o 4Q240 Commentary on Canticles (?) Details unknown,
o 4Q241 Fragments citing Lamentations Details unknown.
* 4Q242 (4QPrNab ar) 4QPrayer ofNabomdus J. T. Milik, ‘Priere de Nabonide’,
407-411, pi. 1. Remains of an Aramaic apocryphon related to the Daniel cycle:
‘Prayer of Nabonidus’. [289]
■
490 LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
* 4Q243 (4QpsDan" ar) 4QPseudo-Daniela J. T. Milik, ‘Priere de Nabonide et autres
ecrits d’un cycle de Daniel’, 411-415. R. Eisenman -M. Wise, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered, 64-68. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 105-107. Aramaic apoca-
lyptic work related to Dn. [288]
* 4Q244 (4Qpsl )an/’ ar) 4QPseudo-Danielb J. T. Milik, ‘Priere de Nabonide et autres
ecrits d’un cycle de Daniel’, 411-415. R. Eisenman - M. Wise, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered, 64-68. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 105-107. Fragments of
another copy of the same work. [288-289]
* 4Q245 QqpsDan' ar) 4QPseudo-Danielc J. T. Milik, ‘Priere de Nabonide et autres
ecrits d’un cycle de Daniel’, 411-415. R. Eisenman -M. Wise, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered, 64-68. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband , 105-107. Third copy of the
same composition. [289]
* 4Q246 4QAramaic Apocalypse E. Puech, ‘Fragment d’une apocalypse en arameen
(40246 = pseudo-Dan^) et le “Royaume de Dieu”’, rb 99 (1992), 98-131. Frag-
ment of an apocalyptic work in Aramaic which uses the titles ‘son of God’ and
‘son of the Most High’, previously known as 4QPsDan A“, 4Q243 and 4QSon
of God. [138J
o 4Q247 Apocalypse of Weeks (?) J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 256. Hebrew
commentary on the Apocalypse of Weeks from 1 Enoch (?). A single fragment
has been preserved, with remains of six lines,
o 4Q248 Acts of a Greek King Fragments with allusions to Hellenistic history (?).
Only one fragment with remains of nine lines has been preserved.
4Q249 (4QMSM) 4QCryptic A: Midrash Sefer Moshe J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et
Milki-resa‘’, 138. Commentary on Genesis in cryptic script, copied on papyrus.
Many fragments have been preserved, but small in size. The title of the work,
‘Commentary on the Book of Moses’, is located on the back, not in the cryptic
but in the square script.
o 4Q250 Part of the fragments of the preceding work contains, on the reverse, an
unidentified composition in cryptic script.
* 4Q251 (qQHalakhah" ) 4QHalakhah Halakhic fragments concerning dietary and
sexual regulations. [87-88]
* 4Q252 (4QpGena) 4 QGenesis Peshef J. M. Allegro, ‘Further Messianic Refer-
ences in Qumran Literature’, jbl 75 (1956) 174-176, pi. 1; H. Stegemann,
‘Weitere Stiicke von 4QPPS37’, 211-217; J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-
resa1’, 138. T. H. Lim, ‘The Chronology of the Flood Story in a Qumran Text
(4Q252), jjs 43 (1992), 288-298. B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle
Two, 212-215. The fragment published by Allegro as ‘Patriarchal Blessings’
contains a commentary on Gn 49: 10. the first columns of the manuscript are
a paraphase on Gn 6. [213-215]
* 4Q253 (4QpGenQ 4QGenesis Peshef B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle
Two, 216-217. Another copy of the same commentary on Genesis. [215]
* 4Q254 (qQpGcn) 4QGenesis PesheF B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle
Two, 218-222. Another copy of the same commentary on Genesis. [215-216]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
491
4Q255 (4QSa) 4QRule of the Community11 J. T. Milik, review of P. Wernberg-
Moller, The Manual of Discipline , in rb 67 (i960) 412-416. Copy of the Com-
munity Rule on papyrus. Four fragments have been preserved, two of them
very small. [20]
4Q256 (4QS4) 4QRule of the Community1' J. T. Milik, ‘Numerotation des feuilles
des rouleaux dans le scriptorium de Qumran’, Semitica 27 (1977) 75-81, pi. x.
Copy of the Rule of the Comunity. The published column contains a shorter
form of iqs v 1-20. The other four fragments preserved correspond to cols. 1-
11 and have the same text. [20-21]
4Q257 (4QS‘ ) 4QRule of the Community ‘ Copy of the Rule of the Community on
papyrus. A single fragment has been preserved, with part of two columns cor-
responding to iqs i-iii. [21-22]
4Q258 (4QS</) 4QRule of the Community11 J. T. Milik, review of P. Wernberg-
Moller, The Manual of Discipline, inRB 67 (1960)412-416. G. Vermes, ‘Prelim-
inary Remarks on Unpublished Fragments of the Community Rule from
Qumran Cave 4’, jjs 42 (1991) 250-255. The best preserved copy of the Rule
of the Community from Cave 4. In my opinion, the beginning of the manu-
script has been preserved, which proves that this copy began with a shortened
form of iqs v. [22-25]
4Q259 (4QS e) 4QRule of the Community* [Sometimes referred to as 4QS* or
4Q260B]. According to J. T. Milik, ‘Le travail d’edition des manuscrits du
desert de Juda’ in: Volume du Congres de Strasbourg (svt 4) (Brill, Leiden 1957)
25, it is a copy of IQS from the second half of the 2nd century which includes
a calendar of the cycle of seven jubilees. It contains remains of iqs vii 10-x 4
in the first four cols, and calendrical material in the rest. [26-29]
4Q260 QqsQ 4QRule of the Community f J. T. Milik, review of P. Wernberg-
Moller, The Manual of Discipline, inRB 67 (i960) 412-416. Another copy of the
Rule of the Community with remains of five columns. [29-30]
4Q261 (4QSQ 4QRule of the Community1 J. T. Milik, review of P. Wernberg-
Moller, The Manual of Discipline, in rb 67 (i960) 412-416. Another copy of the
Rule of the Community. 18 fragments have been preserved, but so tiny that
only four can be identified with relative certainty. [30-31]
4Q262 (4QS h) 4QRule of the Community11 J. T. Milik, review of P. Wernberg-
Moller, The Manual of Discipline, in rb 67 (i960) 412-416. Another copy of the
Rule of the Community of which two fragments have been preserved with
remains of three lines on each. I have only been able to identify one of them.
[31]
4Q263 (4QS1) 4QRule of the Community' J. T. Milik, review of P. Wernberg-
Moller, The Manual of Discipline, in rb 67 (1960)412-416. Another copy of the
Rule of the Community of which only one fragment has been preserved. [31]
4Q264 (4QS ’) 4QRule of the Community1 J. T. Milik, review of P. Wernberg-
Moller, The Manual of Discipline, in rb 67 (i960) 412-416. Another copy of the
492
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
Rule of the Community. Only one fragment has been preserved, with the end
of the work. [31-32]
4Q265 (4QsD) 4QSerek Damascus Document J.M. Baumgarten, ‘Purification after
Childbirth and the Sacred Garden in 4Q265 and Jubilees’, New Qumran Texts
and Studies, 3-10, PI. 1. Rule which seems to combine elements from the Rule
of the Community and the Damascus Document. [72]
CD-a Damascus Documenf First copy of the Damascus Document [= D] which
comes from the Cairo Genizah, published by S. Schechter, Documents of Jewish
Sectaries. Vol. 1: Fragments of a Zadokite Work (Cambridge 1910) and S.Zeitlin,
The Zadokite Fragments. Facsimile of the Manuscripts in the Cairo Genizah Col-
lection in the Possession of the University Library , Cambridge , England (Jewish
Quarterly Review, Monograph Series 1) (Philadelphia 1952) as columns i-xvi
of CD. A facsimile of much better quality and a new transcription of the frag-
ments, made by E.Qimron, has been published by M.Broshi (ed.), The Damas-
cus Document Reconsidered (Jerusalem 1992). [33-44]
cd-b Damascus Document1’ Second copy of the Damascus Document which
comes fom the Genizah, published by Schechter as columns xix-xx of CD-A.
[45-47]
4Q266 (4QI)") 4QDamascus Documenf B. Z. YVacholder and VI. G. Abegg, .4 Pre-
liminary Edition of the Unpublished Dead Sea Scrolls. Fascicule One (Washington
199 1), 1-2. J. M. Baumgarten, ‘A “Scriptural” Citation in 4Q Fragments of the
Damascus Document’, jjs 43 (1992), 95-98. R.Eisenman and M. Wise, The
Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 212-219. Copy of the Damascus Document, of
which three fragments have been preserved, one of them quite long and be-
longing to the beginning of the work. [47-48]
4Q267 (4Qf)/') 4QDamascus Document r* J. T. Milik, ‘Fragment d’une source du
Psautier’, 103, 105, pi. 111. J. M. Baumgarten, ‘The 4Q Zadokite Fragments on
Skin Disease’, JJS 41 (1990) 153-154. A photo with remains of the first and last
columns was published in djd vi, pi. iv to illustrate the method of unrolling
the mss. A much clearer photo and its transcription is also to be found in J. T.
Milik, ‘Numerotation’, 78-79, pi. xi, with material which precedes that pre-
served in cd-a. B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicule One, 3-22. A long
copy of the Damascus Document, with a great deal of new material, including
the end of the work. [48-57]
4Q268 (4QD‘ ) 4QDamascus Documenf B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fasci-
cule One, 23-27. Another copy of the Damascus Document with material not
found present in cd-a, which enables reconstruction of the original sequence
of certain columns in the copy from the Gemizah. Large framents with remains
of four columns. [57-60]
4Q269 (4QD'y) 4QDamascus Document1 J. M. Baumgarten, ‘The 4Q Zadokite Frag-
ments on Skin Disease’, jjs 41 (1990) 157-158. B. Z. Wacholder and M. G.
Abegg, Fascicule One, 28-35. Another long copy of the Damascus Document.
[60-62]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
493
4Q270 (4QDf ) 4QDamascus Document * B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fasci-
cule One , 36-47. Another copy of the Damascus Document, with new material,
which has preserved the end of the work. [62-67]
4Q27 1 (4qD/) 4QDamascus Document B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fasci-
cule One, 48-53. Small fragments of another copy of the Damascus Document.
[67-69]
4Q272 (4QD? ) 4QDamascus Document1 J. M. Baumgarten, ‘The 4Q Zadokite Frag-
ments on Skin Disease’, jjs 41 (1990) 157-158. B. Z. Wacholder and M. G.
Abegg, Fascicule One, 54-56. Another copy of the Damascus Document which
does not match the text of the Cairo Geniza. Only remains of two columns
have been preserved in the four fragments published. [69-70]
4Q273 (4qD/! ) 4QDamascus Document1' B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fasci-
cule One, 57-59. Small fragments of another copy of the Damascus Document.
[70]
4Q274 (4QTohorot A) 4QPurification Rules A J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-
resa", 129. J. M. Baumgarten, ‘The Laws about Fluxes in qQTohora"’, in D.
Dimant and L. H. Schiffman, Time to Prepare the Way in the Wilderness (stdj
14) (Leiden 1994), 1-8. R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncov-
ered, 205-210. A ‘Rule of purity’ related to iqs and CD. First written version.
[88-89]
4Q275 (4QTohorot B") 4QPuriJication Rules B“ J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et
Milki-resa", 129-130. Another ‘Rule of purity’; second written version. Milik
has published fragment 3:1-6 with curses. [89]
4Q276 (4QTohorot B*) 4QPurification Rules B" J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-
resa", 129. R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 210-212.
Other copies of the second written version of a ‘Rule of purity’. [89]
4Q277 (qQTohorot B‘ ) 4QPunfication Rules B‘ J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-
resa", 129. R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 210-212.
Another copy of the same text. [89-90]
4Q278 (4QTohorot C ?) 4QPurification Rules C J.T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-
resa", 129. Another ‘Rule of purity’; third written version. [90]
4Q279 (4QTohorot D ?) 4QPunfication Rules D (?) J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et
Milki-resa", 129. Another ‘Rule of purity’. The preserved fragments deal with
gleaning. [90]
4Q280 (qQBeC) 4QBlessingsl J.T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-resa", 126-130,
pi. 1. According to Milik, another copy of the ‘Rule of purity’. Recently it has
been classified as one of the written texts with ‘Blessings and Curses’. Only
three fragments seem to have been preserved, of which Milik publishes two;
fragment 2:1-7 provides a written version parallel to iqs 11 (?). [434]
4Q281-282 (4QTohorot Ea'*) 4QPurification Rules F“'h J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq
et Milki-resa", 129. Two copies of the fifth written version of a ‘Rule of puri-
ty’. Details unknown.
494
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
4Q283 (4QTohorot F ?) 4QPurification Rules F J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-
resa", 129. Possible a sixth written version of a 'Rule of purity’. Details un-
known.
40284 (4QSerek ha-niddot) jQRule for a Menstruating Women Fragment of a rule
concerning sexual impurities.
4Q285 (4QM g ?) 4QWar Scroll1 J. T. Milik, 'Milki-sedeq et Milki-resa", 143.
Possible copy of the lost final part of iqM (?) which partly overlaps
tiQBerakhot. R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 24-
29; G. Vermes, ‘The Oxford Forum for Qumran Research Seminar of the Rule
of War from Cave 4 (4Q285)’, jjs 32 (1992), 86-90; B. Nitzan, ‘Benedictions and
Instructions for the Eschatological Community (tiQBer; 4Q285)’, rq 16/61
(1993), 77-9°- (123-124]
4Q286 (4QBera) 4QBlessingsa J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-resa", 130-134,
pi. II, 287. B. Nitzan, ‘4QBerakhot (4Q286-290): A Preliminary Report’, New
Qumran Texts and Studies , 53-71, PI. 3. R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead
Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 222-230. Liturgical collection given the provisional title
‘Blessings (and Curses)’, preserved in five copies. Only fragment 10 ii 1-13 has
been published and some disconnected phrases from other fragments. Late
Herodian MS, fom the beginnings of the 1st century CE. [434-435]
4Q287 (4QBer h) 4QBlessmgf J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-resa", 130-131.
R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 222-230. Another
copy of Berakhot. Script slightly earlier than that of 4Q286. [434-435]
4Q288-290 (4QBcr' </’c) 4QBlessingsc~e minute fragments pf other three copies of
the same (?) liturgical collection.
4Q29 1-293 4Qwork containing prayers J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-resa",
134. Possibly copies of the same liturgical collection of Blessings and Curses
(?). Minute fragments of compositions of liturgical character.
4Q294-297 4Qfragments of rules and euchologies (?) Details unknown.
4Q298 4 QCryptic A: Words of the Sage to the Sons of Dawn Work copied in cryp-
tic writing, apart from the beginning: ‘The Sage who speaks to the sons of
dawn’. [382]
4Q299 (4QMysta) 4QMysteries“ B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two ,
1-28. The longest copy of the ‘Book of mysteries’ [See 1Q27]. [400]
4Q3°° GqMvsC) 4QMysteriesb B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two,
29-34. L. H. Schiffman, QQMysteries*: A Preliminary Edition’, rq 16/62
(1993), 203-223. Another copy of the same composition, very fragmentary.
[400-401]
4Q301 (4QMyst‘ ) 4QMysteries‘ B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two ,
35-57. Minute fragments of the same composition. [401]
4Q302 4QPraise of God Two sizable fragments and other minute remains, on
papyrus, of a composition sapiential in character.
4Q3°3-3°8 Small fragments of various sapiential works.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
495
o 4Q309-3 16 Unidentified Hebrew and Aramaic fragments, on skin and on papy-
rus, several uninscribed.
* 4Q3 17 (4QAstrCrypt) 4 Q Phases of the Moon J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch , 68-
69. Calendar in Hebrew similar to the Aramaic calendars of 4QEnastr‘J, but
copied in a cryptic script. A dozen large-sized fragments have been preserved
and many others of a smaller size. [45 1]
* 4Q318 (4QBr ar) 4QBrontologion J. T. Milik, Ten Years of Discovery , 42; J. C.
Greenfield and xM. Sokoloff, 'Astrological and Related Omen Texts in Jewish
Palestinian Aramaic’, jnes 48 ( 1989) 202. R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead
Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 258-263; K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 128-129. A large
fragment with remains of two columns, and four others of very minute size.
[451-452]
* 4Q319 (4QOtot) 4QOtot B.Z. Wacholder and M.G.Abegg, Fascicle One, 96-101;
R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 128-133. Thecalen-
drical part of 4QSe [see 4Q259]. [27-29]
* 4Q320 (4QCalendrical Doc A) 4QCalendrical Document A J.T. Milik, ‘Le travail
d’edition des manuscrits du desert de Juda’, in: Volume du Congres Strasbourg
1956 (VTSup 4) (Brill, Leiden 1957), 25. B. Z. Wacholder and M.G.Abegg,
Fascicle One, 60-67; R- Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered,
1 16-119. Calendar with synchronisms of the phases of the moon, of the priestly
rosters and of the feasts, known as 4QMishmarot A. [452-454]
* 4Q321 (4QCalendrical Doc B“) 4QCalendrical Document Ba B.Z.Wacholderand
M. G. Abegg, Fascicle One, 68-73; R- Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered, 109-116. Calendar with synchronisms of the phases of the
moon and the priestly rosters, known as 4QMishmarot If'. [454-455]
o 4Q322-324 (4QCalendrical Doc Ca~e) 4QCalendrical Document C?~e B.Z. Wachol-
der and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle One, 77-85; R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead
Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 1 19-127. Minute remains of several copies of a calendar
based on the priestly rosters, with allusions to historical events,
o 4Q325 (4QCalendrical Doc D) 4QCalendrical Document D B. Z. Wacholder and
M. G. Abegg, Fascicle One , 86-87; R- Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered , 127-128. Two fragments of a calendar of the sabbaths and
feasts.
o 4Q326 (4QCalendrical Doc E" ) 4QCalendrical Document E‘‘ B.Z.Wacholderand
M. G. Abegg, Fascicle One, 88. A small fragment with remains of a calendar of
the sabbaths and feasts.
* 4Q327 (Calendrical Doc E* ) 4QCalendrical Document Eh B.Z. Wacholder andM.
G. Abegg, Fascicle One, 89-91. Calendar of feasts. R. Eisenman and M. Wise,
The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 182-193, consider it part of one of the copies
of 4QMMT [see 4Q394], but see F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Dos Notas sobre 4QMMT’,
rq 16/62 (1993), 293-297. [455]
o 4Q328-330 (4QCalendrical Doc F-G-H) 4QCalendrical Document F-G-H B. Z.
496
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
Wacholder and M.G. Abegg, Fascicle One , 92-95. Minute remains of several
calendars based on the priestly rosters.
o 4Q33 1-334 4QHistorical Works Fragmentary remains of works with allusions to
historical events (?).
0 4Q335~337 4QAstronomical fragments Fragments of astronomical content or of
calendars.
o 4Q338-341 4QLists of proper names Lists of names of persons. 4Q339 and 4Q340
were published by M.Broshi and A. Yardeni, ‘On Netinim and False Prophets’,
Tarbiz 62 (1993), 45-54- 4Q341 was published by J. M. Allegro, The Dead Sea
Scrolls and the Christian Myth (Newton Abbot 1979) 235-2443, pis. 16-17, as a
medical document. 1 Iowever, later it was identified as a writing exercise, cf. J.
Naveh, ‘A Medical Document or a Writing Exercise? The So-called 4QThera-
peia’, iej 36 (1986) 52-55, pi. 11.
o 4Q342-358 4QLegal documents Remains of contracts, deeds of sale, accounts,
letters, etc.
o 4Q359-361 Minute remains, with and without writing.
o 4Q362-363 Fragments in cryptic writing. Undeciphered.
* 4Q364 (4QRP*) 4QReworked Pentateuch b Paraphraseof the Pentateuch, described
by its editor, J. Strugnell as: ‘A wildly aberrant text of the whole Pentateuch
containing several non-Biblical additions, some identical with the Samaritan
Pentateuchal pluses, others unattested elsewhere (e.g. a song of Miriam at the
Red Sea)’, in: Salvacion en la Palabra, 563-564. Photograph of two of the frag-
ments of 4Q364 in Y. Yadin, The Temple Scroll , Suppl. pis. 38, 40. E. Tov, ‘The
textual Status of 4Q354-367’, in: The Madrid Qumran Congress, 43-82; S. A.
White, ‘4Q364& 365: A Preliminary Report’, in: The Madrid Qumran Congress,
217-228. [222-224]
* 4Q365 (4qRPc) 4 QReworked Pentateuch1 Another copy of the same (?) work with
remains of the five books of the Pentateuch. [222-224]
4Q366 (4qRP</) 4QReworked Pentateuch1 Another copy with remains of Ex 21-
22, Num 29 and Dt 14 and 16.
4Q367 <4qRP' ) 4QReworked Pentateuch Another copy with remains only of
various chs. of Leviticus.
4Q368 (4QapocrPent) 4QApocryphon Pentateuch Fifteen fragments, of which
three are a good size, of a narrative worked related to the Pentateuch.
4Q369 (4QPEnosh ?) 4QPrayer of Enosh (?) A good fragment with remains of two
columns and other lesser fragments of an apocryphal composition related to the
generations before the Flood.
* 4Q370 4QExhortation based on the Flood C. Newsom, ‘4Q370: An Admonition
based on the Flood’, rq 13 (1988) 23-43, pi- 1- Exhortation based on the story
of the flood, of which only two cols, have been preserved. [224-225]
4Q37 1 (4QapocrJoseph" ) 4QApocryphon of Joseph E. M. Schuller, Non-Canonical
Psalms from Qiimran, 2. Narrative work with apocryphal psalms.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
497
4Q372 (4QapocrJoseph/') jQApocryphon of Joseph1’ E. M. Schuler, ‘A Preliminary
Study of 4Q372 1’, in: F. Garcia Martinez (ed.), The Texts of Qumran and the
History of the Community. Vol. II (Paris 1990) 349-376. Text with narrative and
psalms. Fragment 1 contains a psalm about the character of Joseph. [225-226]
4Q373 (4QapocrJoseph‘ ) 4QApocryphon of Joseph” E. Schuller, ‘A Preliminary
Study of 4Q373 and Some Related (?) Fragments’, in: The Madrid Qumran Con-
gress, 515-530. Another copy of 2Q22. In addition the text matches fragment 19
of 4Q372. [226]
4Q374 (4Qap°crMoses A) 4QApocryphon of Moses A C. A. Newsom ‘4Q374: A
Discourse on the Exodus/Conquest Tradition’, in E. Dimant and U. Rappaport
(eds.), The Dead Sea Scrolls. Forty Years of Research (Stdj 10) (Leiden-Jerusa-
lem 1992), 40-52. Moses and Joshua apocryphon. [278]
4Q375 (4QapocrMoses B) 4QApocryphon of Moses B J. Strugnell, ‘Moses-Pseud-
epigrapha at Qumran. 4Q375, 4Q376, and similar works’, in L. Schiffman (ed.),
Archaeology and History in the Dead Sea Scrolls (j sp 8) (Sheffield 1990) 221-234.
Moses-pseudepigraph, distinct from the preceding composition. [278]
4Q376 4QLiturgy of the Three Tongues of Fire J. Strugnell, ‘Moses-Pseudepigra-
pha at Qumran’, 234-247. Moses-pseudepigraph identical with 1Q29. [279]
4Q377 (4QapocrMoses C) 4QApocrypohon of Moses C Moses and Joshua apocry-
phon, copied onto the reverse of 4Q375 and very badly preserved.
4Q378 (4QPsJosuaa) pQPsalms ofJoshua“, C. Newsom, ‘The “Psalms of Joshua”
from Qumran Cave 4’, j js 39 (1988) 56-73, pi. 1. The editor describes the work
and published fragments 3:, 6 1; 14 and 22 1 (pp. 61-65). [282]
4Q379 QqPsJosuaQ 4QPsalms of Joshua*’ P. A.Spijkerman/ChroniqueduMusee
de la Flagellation’, Studii Biblici Franciscani Liber Annuus 12 (1991-62) 324-
325 (photograph of fragment 1); C. Newsom, ‘The “Psalms of Joshua” from
Qumran Cave 4’, 65-70. Publication of fragments 1, 12, 15-17 and 22 11. [283]
4Q380 4QNoncanonical Psalms A E. M. Schuller, N on-Canonical Psalms from
Qumran. A Pseudepigraphical Collection (hss 28) (Atlanta 1986) 241-165, pi. vm .
Pseudepigraphical collection of apocryphal psalms. [311-312]
4Q381 4QNoncanonical Psalms A E. M. Schuller, N on-Canonical Psalms from
Qumran, 61-240, pis. i-vii . ix . Another (or the same?) pseudepigraphical collec-
tion of apocryphal psalms. [312-316]
4Q382 4 QPara phrase of Kings abundant fragments in papyrus with narratives and
psalms related to Samuel-Kings.
4Q383-384 4QApocryphon of Jeremiah A-B (?) Minute remains of two composi-
tions related to Jeremiah
4Q385 (4QpsEza) 4QPseudo-Ezekiel J. Strugnell and D. Dimant, ‘4QSecond
Ezekiel’, rq 3 (1988) 54-58, pi. 11. D.Dimant, ‘The Merkaba Vision in Second
Ezekiel (4Q385 4)’ in: The Text of Qumran and the History of the Community ,
Vol. 11, 331-348. Pseudepigraphical apocalypse attributed to the prophet
Ezekiel. [286]
498
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
4133853 (4QpsMoses“ ) 4 QPseudo-M oses“ D. Dimant, the editor of the group of
fragments previously attributed to 4QPseudo-Ezekiel, considers them to repre-
sent at least three separate compositions: Pseudo-Ezekiel, Pseudo-Moses and
Pseudo-Jeremiah. Hence the subdivision of the numbers and their allocation
to separate compositions. D. Dimant, ‘New Light From Qumran in the Jewish
Pseudepigrapha-4Q39o’, The Madrid Qumran Congress , 405-448.
4Q385b (4QapocrJer C) 4QApocryphon of Jeremiah C D. Dimant, ‘An Apocry-
phon of Jeremiah from Cave 4 (4Q385* = (4Q385 16)’, New Qumran Texts and
Studies , 11-30, PI. 2. Scant remains of the third pseudepigraphic work attrib-
uted to Jeremiah. [285]
4Q386 (4QpsEz4) 4QPseudo-Ezekiel1’ Scant remains of a second copy of Pseudo-
Ezekiel. [287]
4Q387 (4QpsEz‘ ) 4QPseudo-Ezekielc Scant remains of a third copy of the same
composition.
413387a (4Qps. Vloses*) 4QPseudo-Mosesb Scant remains of a second copy of the
Mosaic pseudepigraph. [279]
40387!} (4QapocrJer D) 4QApocryphon of Jeremiah D Scant remains of a fourth
pseudepigraphic composition attributed to Jeremiah. [285]
4Q388 (4QpsEzl/) 4 QPseudo- Ezekiel'1 Scant remains of a fourth copy of Pseudo-
Ezekiel.
4Q388a (4Qps\loses‘ ) 4QPseudo-Mosesc Scant remains of a third copy of the
Mosaic pseudepigraph. [279-280]
4Q389 (4QpsMoses'/) 4QPseudo-Mosef Scant remains of a fourth copy of the
same composition. [280]
4Q390 (4QpsMoses‘ ) 4QPseudo- Moses Apocalypse1 D.Dimant/NewLightFrom
Qumran in the Jewish Pseudepigrapha-4Q39o\ Another (?) Moses pseudepi-
graph or a fifth copy of the preceding composition. [280-281]
4Q391 (4QpsEzQ 4QPseudo-Ezekiels (?) Pseudepigraphical work copied on pa-
pyrus, related to the preceding compositions.
4Q392 4QLiturgical Work B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two, 38-
39. Wisdom-type composition of which only one fragment is sizable. [438]
4Q393 4QLiturgical Work (?) Three good fragments, and others of smaller sizes.
One of the fragments preserves remains of two sheets with different writing
but sewn together. The content appears to be sapiential although mention of
Moses could connect it with the preceding compositions.
4Q394 (4QMMT" ) 4QHalakhic Letter a E. Qimron and J. Strugnell, ‘An Unpub-
lished Halakhic Letter from Qumran’, in: Biblical Archaeology Today. Proceed-
ings of the International Congress on Biblical Archaeology, Jerusalem, April 1Q84
(Jerusalem 1985) 400-407. E. Qimron and J. Strugnell, Discoveries in the Judean
Desert X (= DJD x) (Oxford 1994), 3-13, pi. i-iii. First copy of the ‘Halakhic
Letter’. With remains of a calendar at the beginning. [79-81]
4Q395 (4QMMT*) 4QHalakhic Letter1’ djd x, 14-15, pi. in. Copy of which only
one fragment has been preserved. [81]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
499
* 4Q396 (4QMMT‘) 4QHalakhic Letter1 djd x, 15-21, pi. iv. Copy of the central
part of the work. [81-82]
* 4Q397 QqmmtQ 4QHalakhic Letter* djd x, 2 1-28, pi. v-vi. Copy with relatively
abundant material from the different sections of the letter. [83-84]
* 4Q398 (4QMMTf) 4QHalakhic Letter e djd x, 28-38, pi. vii-vm. Copy on papyrus
which preserves the end of the composition. A photograph of this manuscript
is to be found in: E. Qimron and J. Strugnell, ‘An Unpublished Halakhic Letter
from Qumran’, Israel Museum Journal 4 (1985) 9-12, pi. 1. [84-85]
* 4Q399 (4QM\tU) 4QHalakhic Letter f djd x, 38-40, pi. vm. A single fragment,
with remains of two columns, from the end of the work. [85]
* 4Q400 (4QShirShabb“ ) 4QSnngs of the Sabbath Sacrifice a C. Newsom, Songs of
the Sabbath Sacrifice: A Critical Edition (hss 27) (Atlanta 1985) 85-123, pi. 1.
Copy of the work ‘Songs of the sabbath sacrifice’, with remains of the songs of
the first two sabbaths. Of this work a copy has been preserved which comes
from Cave 11 (11Q17 infra) and another found during the excavations of
Masada (4Q MasShirShab, see Y. Yadin, ‘The Excavations of Masada’, iej 15
(1965) 105-108; C. Newsom and Y. Yadin, ‘The Masada Fragment of the
Qumran Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice’, iej 34 (1984) 77-88; C. Newsom,
Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice , 167-184, pi. xvi. E. Puech, ‘Notes sur les
manuscrits des Cantiques du Sacrifice du Sabbat trouve a Masada’, RQ 12/48
(1987) 575-583- [419-420]
* 4Q401 (4Q.ShirShabb/’) 4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrificeb C. Newsom, Songs of
the Sabbath Sacrifice, 125-146, pis. 11-in. Another copy of the same work, with
remains, possibly, of the songs for the first, third and sixth sabbath. [420]
* 4Q402 (4QShirShabb‘ ) 4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice ‘ C. Newsom, Songs of
the Sabbath Sacrifice , 147-166, pi. ill. Another copy of the same work with
remains of the song for the fifth sabbath. [420-421]
* 4Q403 (4QShirShabb‘/) 4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice d J. Strugnell, ‘The An-
gelic Liturgy at Qumran. 4QSerek Shirot c01at hashshabbat’, Congress Volume ,
Oxford 1959 (svt 7) (Brill Leiden i960) 322-327, pi. la. C. Newsom, Songs of
the Sabbath Sacrifice, 185-247, p. iv. Another copy of the same work with re-
mains of the songs for the sixth, seventh and eighth sabbaths. [42 1-424]
* 4Q404 (4Q.ShirShabb‘) 4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice ‘ C. Newsom, Songs of the
Sabbath Sacrifice , 249-255, pi. v. Another copy of the same work with remains
of the songs for the sixth, seventh and eighth sabbaths. [424-425]
* 4Q405 (4Q.ShirShabb/) 4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice J J. Strugnell, ‘The An-
gelic Liturgy at Qumran’, 336-342, pi. 1 b. C. Newsom, Songs of the Sabbath
Sacrifice , 257-354, pls- vi-xiv. Another copy of the same work with remains
of the songs for the last seven sabbaths. [426-430]
o 4Q406 (4Q.ShirShabl/ ) 4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice^ C. Newsom, Songs of the
Sabbath Sacrifice , 355-357, pi- xv. Another copy of the same work with remains
of the beginning of an unidentified song.
500
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
o 4Q407 (4QShirShabb/') 4QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice h C. Newsom, Songs of
the Sabbath Sacrifice , 259-260, pi. xv. Possibly another copy of the same work.
Remains of two small fragments.
o 4Q408 4QSapiential Work Minute fragments of a wisdom-type composition.
* 4Q409 4QLiturgy E. Qimron, ‘Time for Praising God: A Fragment of a Scroll
from Qumran (4Q409)’, JqR 80 (1990) 341-347. Remains of a hymnic composi-
tion. [402]
o 4Q410 4QSapiential Work B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two , 40.
Minute remains of a wisdom composition,
o 4Q411 4QSapiential Work A single fragment, with the first words of a 17-line
column.
o 4Q412 4QSapiential Work B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two , 41-
42. Minute remains of a wisdom composition.
* 4Q413 4QSapiential Work B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two, 43.
A single fragment with the beginning of a wisdom composition. [382-383]
* 4Q414 4QBaptismal Liturgy R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls
Uncovered , 230-233. Remains of a hymnic composition. [439]
4Q415 (4QSap. Work Ad) 4QSapiential Work Ad (?) B. Z. Wacholder and M. G.
Abegg, Fascicle Two , 44-53. Numerous fragments of a wisdom composition,
possibly part of the next work, although the preserved fragments provide no
matches.
* 4Q416 (4QSap. Work A*) 4QSapiential Work Ab B. Z. Wacholder and M. G.
Abegg, Fascicle Two, 54-62. R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls
Uncovered, 241-254. Wisdom composition. [383-385]
* 4Q417 (4QSap. Work A‘ ) 4QSapiential Work Ac B. Z. Wacholder and M. G.
Abegg, Fascicle Two, 63-76. Another copy of the same wisdom composition.
[385-387]
* 4Q418 (4QSap. Work A") 4QSapiential Work Aa B. Z. Wacholder and M. G.
Abegg, Fascicle Two, 77-154. R. Eisenman-M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Un-
covered, 241-254. The longest copy of this wisdom composition. Nearly 300
fragments have been preserved although only a few are a good size. [388-393]
* 4Q419 (4QSap. Work B) 4QSapiential Work B B.Z.WacholderandM.G. Abegg,
Fascicle Two, 155-158. Another wisdom composition, of which only the first
fragment is of some length. [393]
o 4Q420-421 Ways of Righteousness a'h B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle
Two, 159-165. Minute remains of two copies of another wisdom composition,
o 4Q422 4QParaphrase of Genesis-Exodus Minute remains of a biblical paraphrase,
o 4Q423 (4QSap. Work Ae) 4QSapiential Work Ae B. Z. Wacholder and M. G.
Abegg, Fascicle Two, 166-173.
* 4Q424 (4QSap. Work C) 4QSapiential Work C B.Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg,
Fascicle Two, 174-176. R . Eisenman - M . W ise, 'The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered,
166-168. Another wisdom composition. [393-394J
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
501
o 4Q425-426 4Qsapiential works B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two,
174-184. Minute remains of wisdom compositions.
* 40427 (4QH“) 4QHymnf E. Schuller, ‘A Hymn from a Cave Four Hodayot
Manuscript: 4Q427 7 1+11’, jbl 1 12 (1993), 605-628. B. Z. Wacholder and M. G.
Abegg, Fascicle Two, 254-261. [362-366]
* 4Q428 (4QI lh) 4QHymnsb B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two, 262-
274- [367]
* 4Q429 (4QH‘ ) 4QHymnsl B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two, 275-
278. [367-369]
* 4Q430 (4QH‘/) 4QHymwt1 B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two , 279.
[369]
* 4Q431 (4QHc) 4QHymnse B. Z. Wacholder and M. G. Abegg, Fascicle Two, 280.
[270]
o 4Q432 (4QH/) 4QFlymnsU B.Z. Wacholder and M.G. Abegg, Fascicle Two, 281-
184. Minute remains of a copy on papyrus of the Hodayot.
o 4Q433 4QHodayot-like text Three minute fragments of a composition similar to
the Hymns.
* 4Q434 (4QBarfki Napshi") 4QjBless, Oh my Soul“ R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The
Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 233-241. First copy of a composition with hymns
of praise which usually begin with the sentence: Bless, Oh my soul. A good
fragment with remains of two columns, and other lesser fragments. [436]
* 4Q434a 4QGrace after Meals, M. Wienfeld, ‘Grace after Meals at the Mourners’
House in a Text from Qumran’, Tarbiz 41 (1992), 15-23 [English version, jbl
1 1 1 (1992) 427-440]. Two fragments of thanksgiving after a meal in the house
of a person in mourning. [439]
0 4Q435 UQBaFki Napshi*) 4QBless, Oh my Soulb Minute fragments of a second
copy of the blessings of praise.
* 4Q436 QoBar'ki Napshi1 ) 4QBless, Oh my Soulc R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The
Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 233-241. A single fragment with one column al-
most complete from another copy of the same composition. [437]
4Q437 (4QBarfki Napshi"') 4QBless , Oh my Sould Various fragments of another
copy of the same composition.
0 4Q438 (4QBarfki Napshi' ) 4QBless, Oh my Soul1' Minute fragments of another
copy of the same composition.
0 4Q439 4 Q Work similar to BaFki Napshi Three tiny fragments of a composition
similar to the preceding.
4Q440 4QHodayot-like text Two fragments from the end of a hymnic composi-
tion similar to the Hymns.
o 4Q44 1-447 Minute fragments of prayers or hymns.
o 4Q448 4QApocryphal Psalm and Prayer E. Eshel, H. Eshel and A. Yardeni, ‘A
Qumran Composition Containing Part of Ps. 154 and a Prayer for the Welfare
of King Jonathan and his Kingdom’, Tarbiz 60 (1991), 295-324 [English ver-
sion, iej 42 (1992), 199-229]
502
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
o 4Q449-57 4QPrayers Minute remains of liturgical compositions.
* 4Q458 4QNarrative R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered ,
47-49. Minute remains of an unspecified composition. [228]
4Q459-60 4QPseudepigraphic Works Remains of narrative works with biblical
reminiscences; of the second a good-sized fragment has been preserved,
o 4Q461 4QNarrative five minute fragments of a narrative work.
* 4Q462 4QNarrative M. S. Smith, ‘4Q462 (Narrative) Fragment 1: A Preliminary
Edition’, Memorial Jean Starcky. Vol. I, 55-77. [226-227]
o 4Q463 A. Steudel, Der Midrash zur Eschatologie aus der Qumrangemeinde . Four
fragments of a wisdom-type composition,
o 4Q464 M. S. Stone and E. Eshel, ‘An Exposition on the Patriarchs (4Q464) and
two Other Documents (4914643 and 404646)’, Le Museon 105 (1992), 243-264.
o 404643-69 4QUnclassified fragments Fragments of unidentified works,
o 4Q470 4Qpragment mentioning Zedekiah E. Larson, L.H.Schiffmanand J.Strug-
nell, ‘4Q470, With a Fragment Mentioning Zedekiah’, rq 16/62 (1994). Three
minute fragments of an unidentified work which mentions Zedekiah and the
angel Michael.
* 4Q471 4QWar Scrollh E. and H. Eshel, ‘4Q471. Frag.i and Ma'amadot in the
War Scroll’, in: The Madrid Qumran Congress , 611-620. Minute remains of a
composition which is perhaps related to The War Scroll. [124-125]
* 40471a 4QPolemical fragment E. Eshel and M. Kister, ‘A Polemical Qumran
Fragment’, jjs 43 (1992), 277-281. Fragment four of the preceding composi-
tion. [124-125]
o 4Q472 4QSapiential work Minute remains of a wisdom composition,
o 4Q473 4QThe Two Ways Two minute fragments of a wisdom composition,
o 4Q474-476 4Qsapiential works Minute fragments of three wisdom-type composi-
tions.
* 4Q477 4QDecrees R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered ,
269-273; E. Eshel, ‘The Rebukes by the Overseer’, jjs 45 (1994), 111-232. [90-
91]
o 4Q478-81 4Qunclassified fragments Minute remains of unidentified works,
o 4Q482 (4Qjub ?), 4Qjubilees (?) M. Baillet, Discoveries in the Judaean Desert vii
(Oxford 1982) (= djd vii), 1-2, pi. 1. Possibly a copy of the Book of Jubilees,
o 4Q483 4QGenesis or Jubilees (?) M. Baillet, djd vii, 2, pi. 1. Possibly remains of
Gen 1:18 or Jub 2:14 (?).
o 4Q484 (4QTJud) 4QTestament of Judah M. Baillet, djd vii, 3, pi. 1. Remains of
a work related to the Testament of Judah (?).
o 4Q485 4QProphecy M. Baillet, djd vii, 4, pi. 11. Minute remains of a prophetical
or wisdom text on papyrus.
o 4Q486 4QSapiential Work “ M. Baillet, djd vii, 4-5, pi. 11. Minute remains of a
sapiential work (?).
o 4Q487 4QSapiential Worka M. Baillet, djd vii, 5-10, pis. iii-iv. Numerous re-
mains (53 fragments) of a sapiential (?) work copied on papyrus.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
503
4Q488-490 4Qapocrypha M.Baillet,DjD vii, 10-11, pi. n.Remainsof apocryphal
works in Aramaic (?).
4Q491 (4QMa) 4QlVar Scroll" C. H. Hunzinger, ‘Fragments einer alteren
Fassung des Buches Milhama aus Hohle 4 von Qumran’, zaw 69 (1957) 131-
151, pi. 1; M. Baillet, ‘Les manuscrits de la regie de la guerre de la grotte 4 de
Qumran’, rb 79 (1972) 217-226; .-djd vii, 12-44, pis- v-vi. Text related to the
War Rule. Flunzinger considers the text to be an older form of the War Rule,
Baillet considers it to be later and dependent on iqM. The ms contains ele-
ments which seem to correspond to iqM, others which seem to be a cento of
phrases which are also found in iqM in other contexts, and others which have
no parallel in iqM. One of these new hymnic compositions (the ‘song of Mi-
chael’ of fragment 1 1 i) also occurs in another MS from 4Q as yet unpublished,
4Q471B [4Q(S1)86], [115-119]
4Q492 QqMQ 4QWar Scrollb M. Baillet, djd vii, 45-49, pi. vii. Another copy
of the War Rule. Fragment 1 corresponds to iqM xix 1-14 and to fragments
2, 8 and 1Q33 2; fragments 2-3 have not been identified. [120]
4Q493 (4QM*) 4QWar Scroll M. Baillet, djd vii, 49-53, pi. vm. Text related to
iqM; the preserved material has no equivalent in iqM. [120-121]
4Q494 (4QM'/) 4QWur Scroll M. Baillet, djd vii, 53-54, pi. vm. Another copy
of the War Rule. The only fragment preserved partly corresponds to iqM ii
1-2. [121]
4Q495 (4QMf ) 4Q War Scroll e J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-sedeq et Milki-rcsa1’, 140; M.
Baillet, djd vii, 54-56, pi. vm. Another copy of the War Rule. Fragment 2
corresponds to iqM xiii 9-12. [121]
4Q496 (4QM/) 4QlVar Scroll ' M. Baillet, ‘Debris de textes sur papyrus de la
grotte 4 de Qumran’, rb 71 (1964) 353-371; .-djd vii, 57-68; pis. x, xii, xiv,
xviii, xxiv. Another copy of the War Rule. The first 16 fragments (of the 122
preserved) have been grouped into five columns which partly correspond to
iqM i 4-iv 2. [121-123]
4Q497 (4QM* ?) M. Baillet, djd vii, 69-72, pi. xxvi. Text related to the War
Rule (?).
4Q498 4QSapiential Hymn M. Baillet, djd vii, 73-74, pi. xxvn. Flymnic or sapi-
ential (?) fragments.
4Q499 4QHymnic Prayer M. Baillet, djd vii, 74-77, pi. xxv. Fragments of
hymns or prayers.
4Q5°o 4QBenedution M. Baillet, djd vii, 78-79, pi. xxvn. Remains of a blessing
(?); J. M. Baumgarten, ‘4Q500 and the Ancient Exegesis of the Lord’s Vine-
yard’, jjs 40 (1989) 1-6 interprets it as an exegesis of the canticle of the vine of
Isa 5. [402]
4Q501 4QApocryphal Lamentations B M. Baillet, djd vii, 79-80, pi. xxvm. Re-
mains of a ‘Lamentation’, poetic composition related to iqH. [403]
4Q502 4QRitual of Marriage M.Baillet,DjDVii, 81-105, pis. xxix-xxxiv. Frag-
5°4
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
merits of a ritual for a joyous celebration, interpreted by Baillet as a wedding
ritual and by J. M. Baumgarten, ‘4Q502, Marriage or Golden Age Ritual?’, jjs
34 ( 1983) 125-135, as a celebration (related to the feast of tabernacles?) in which
the protagonists are old men and women. [440-441]
4Q503 (4QPrQuot) 4QDaily Prayers" M. Baillet, djd vii, 105-136, pis. xxxv,
XXXVII, XXXIX, xli, XLViii, xlv, XLVii. Remains of a liturgical composition
with prayers for each day of the month. Remains have been preserved of
prayers for fifteen days, between the 4th and the 26th. [407-410]
4Q504 (4QDibHama) 4QWords of the Luminaries11 M. Baillet, ‘Un receuil
liturgique de Qumran, grotte 4: “Les Paroles des Luiminaires” ’, rb 67 (1961)
195-250, pis. xxiv-xxviii; . - ‘Remarques sur l’edition des Paroles des
Luminaires’, rq 5/17 (1964) 23-42; .-djd vii, 137-168, pis. xlix-liii. Copy
of a liturgical work, of which the title, ‘Words of the luminaries’, has been
preserved on the back of fragment 8, and contains prayers for every day of the
week (the beginning of the prayer of Wednesday and of the sabbath have been
preserved). [414-417]
4Q505 (4QDibHam*) 4QWords of the Luminaries" M. Baillet, djd vii, 168-170,
pi. xxiii. Identified by the editor as another copy of the ‘Words of the Lumi-
naries’ (4QDibHam/>); in fact, the preserved fragments seem to belong to the
‘Festival prayers’ (4Q509). [418]
4Q506 (4QDibHam c) 4QWords of the Luminaries" M. Baillet, djd vii, 170-175,
pis. xviii, xx, xxiv. Another copy of the ‘Words of the Luminaries’. [418]
4Q507 (4QPrFetes" ?) 4QFestival Prayers a M. Baillet, djd vii, 175-177, pi. xxviii.
Another copy (?) of a liturgical work which contained prayers for the diff erent
festivals of the liturgical year, known from the remains preserved in 1Q34-
34bis. [411-412]
4Q508 (4QPrFetesJ) 4Qpestival Prayers k M. Baillet, djd vii, 177-184, pi. liv.
Another copy of a liturgical work with prayers for the different festivals, with
remains, possibly, of the prayers for feasts of the waving of the sheaves, of
weeks, of the New Year and of Yom Kippur (?). [412]
4Q509 (4QPr Fetes' ) 4Qpestival Prayers c M. Baillet, djd vii, 184-215, pis. ix, xi,
xiii, xv, xvii, xix, xxi, xxii. Another copy of the same work,with remains of
the prayers for the feasts of the New Year, Yom Kippur, tabernacles, the sec-
ond passover and pentecost (?). [412-413]
4Q510 (4QShira) 4QSongs of the Sagea M. Baillet, djd vii, 215-219, pi. lv. Col-
lection of songs of the Maskil for praising God and expelling demons. [371]
4Q511 (4QShir*) 4QSongs of the Sageh M. Baillet, djd vii, 219-262, pis. lvi-lxii.
Another copy of the same work of which 224 fragments have been preserved.
[371-376]
4Q512 4QRitual of Purification M. Baillet, djd vii, 262-286, pis. xxxvi, xxxvm,
xl, xlii, xliv, xlvi, XLViii. Numerous remains (232 fragments) of a purifica-
tion ritual with directives concerning various purifications and with the prayers
to be recited on the occasions of these purifications. [441-442]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
505
4Q5U (4QOrd/' ?) qQOrdinances1’ M.Baillet,DjD vii, 287-295, pis. lxxii-lxxiii.
Halakhic text related to 4QHalaka“ and 4QMMT, considered by the editor as
another copy of the halakhic work represented by 4Q159. [91]
4Q514 (4QOrd‘ ?) 4Q()rdinances‘ M.Baillet,njD ¥11,295-298, pi. lxxiv. Another
halakhic text which deals with the conditions of purity required for participa-
tion in the community meals; considered by the editor as possibly another copy
of the same halakhic work. [91-92]
4Q515~520 4QUnidentified fragments M. Baillet, djd vii, 299-312, pis. lxxv-
t.xxx. Fragments of unidentified works.
4Q521 4QMesstanic Apocalypse E.Puech,‘Uneapocalypsemessianique(4Q52i)’,
RQ 15/60 (1992) 475-522. Wisdom text which exhibits belief in the resurrec-
tion. [394-395]
4Q522 4QWork with Place Names E. Puech, ‘La pierre de Sion et l’autel des ho-
locaustes d’apres un manuscrit hebreu de la grotte 4 (4Q522), rb 99 (1992), 676-
696. Work in Hebrew with place-names. A good fragment with remains of two
columns and a dozen small fragments. [227-228]
4Q523-524 4QHalakhic texts Minute Hebrew fragments, halakhic in content.
4Q525 (4QBeat) 4QBeatitudes J. Starcky, ‘Le travail d’edition’, 67; E. Puech, ‘Un
hymne essenien en partie retrouve et les Beatitudes’, in: Memorial Carmignac,
84-87; .-‘4Q525 et les pericopes des beatitudes en Ben Sira et Matthieu’, RB98
(1991) 80-106. Fragment of a sapiential work which contains a series of bless-
ings. [395-398]
4Q526-528 4QHebrew Fragments C-D-E Three minute unidentified Hebrew
fragments, each in a different hand.
4Q529 4QWords of Michael R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls
Uncovered, 37-39. K. Beyer, Ergdngzungsband , 127-128. J. Starcky, ‘Le travail’,
66; J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch , 91. Aramaic work with the title ‘Words of
the book of which Michael spoke to the Angels’. Two further copies have been
preserved in 4Q to which belong the fragments from 6Q23. [125]
4Q530 (4QGiantsi ar) 4QGiantsh J. T. Milik, ‘TurfanetQumran’, 121-125; --The
Books of Enoch , 230, 304-307. K. Beyer, Ergdngzungsband , 1 19-124. Another
copy of the Book of Giants. [261-262]
4Q531 (4QGiants‘ ar) 4QGiantsc J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 307-313. K.
Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 119-124. Another copy of the Book of Giants. [262]
4Q532 (4QGiantsrf ar) 4QBook of Giants J R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea
Scrolls Uncovered, 95. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 119-124. Small fragments of
another copy of the Book of Giants.
4Q533 (4QGiantsf ar?) J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 237-238. Another copy of
the Aramaic Book of Giants (?) or a pseudo-Enochic composition.
4Q534 (4QMess ar) 4QElect of God J. Starcky, ‘Un texte messianique arameen de
la grotte 4 de Qumran’, in: Ecole des langues orientles anciennes de Tlnstitut
Catholique de Pans. Memorial du cinQuantenatre IQ14-1Q64 (Bloud et Gay, Paris
506
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
1964) 51-66. The text refers to the birth of Noah, fragment J. A. Fitzmyer,
‘The Aramaic ‘Elect of God’ Text from Qumran Cave IV’, Cbq 27 (1965) 348-
372; J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch, 56. According to E. Puech, it is one of the
three manuscripts referred to as qQNoah'T [263]
4Q535 4QAramaic N R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered,
33-37. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 125-127. Tiny Aramaic fragments of a com-
position connected with Noah. [263-264]
4Q536 4QAramaic C K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 125-127. Minute Aramaic frag-
ments of a composition connected with Noah. [264J
4Q537 (4QAJa ar) 4QApocryphon of Jacob J. T. Milik, ‘Ecrits preesseniens de
Qumran’, 103-104. Remains of an Aramaic work: Visions of Jacob (?). The
tyext has been published by E. Puech, ‘Fragments d’un apocryphe de Levi et
le personnage eschatologique, qQTestl.evi'^ (?) et 4QAJa’, in: The Madrid
Qumran Congress 449-501. [265]
4Q538 (4qAJu ar) 4QApocryphon of Judah J. T. Milik, ‘Ecrits preesseniens de
Qumran’, 97-101, pi. 1. Remains of an Aramaic Testament of Judah (?). [265-
266]
4Q539 (4QAJ0 ar) 4QApocryphon of Joseph J. T. Milik, ‘Ecrits preesseniens de
Qumran’, 97-101, pi. I. Remains of an Aramaic Testament of Joseph (?). [266]
4Q540 QQTLevi1 ar?) 4QAaronic Text A (bis) = Testament of Levic (?) work de-
scribed by J. Starcky, ‘Les Quatre etapes du messianisme a Qumran’, rb 70
(1963) 492, as an Aramaic work of Aaronite content (4QAhA) and edited by E.
Puech as another copy of the Aramaic Testament of Levi, ‘Fragments d’un
apocryphe de Levi et le personnage eschatologique, 4QTestLevi‘^(?) et qQAJa’
in: The Madrid Qiimran Congress 449-501. [269]
4Q541 (4QrfLevi£/ ar?) 4QAaromic Text A = 4QTestament of Levid (?) E. Puech,
‘Fragments d’un apocryphe de Levi et le personnage eschatologique, qqTest-
LevF'^ (?) et 4QAJa’ in: The Madrid Qumran Congress 449-501. [269-270]
4Q542 (4QTQahat ar) 4QTestament of Qahat J.T. Milik, ‘4Q Visions de ‘Amram’,
97. E. Puech, ‘Le Testament de Qahat en arameen de la grotte 4 QQTQah)’,
Memorial Jean Starcky Vol. 1, 23-54. Remains of an Aramaic Testament of
Qahat. Only one fragment of the work has been preserved, with remains of one
and a half columns of text. [271-272]
4Q543 QQ' Amram" ar) 4QVisions of Amrand J. T. Milik, ‘4QVisions de 'Amram
et une citation d’Origene’, rb 79 (1972) 77-99. R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The
Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 151-156. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 85-92. Ara-
maic work of apocalyptic character, preserved in five copies with the title ‘Vi-
sions of ‘Amram’. Milik transcribes a few isolated fragments. [272-273]
4Q544 (4QC Amram* ar) 4QVisions of Amramb J. T. Milik, ‘4QVisions de ‘ Amram’,
77-99, pi. 1. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 85-92. [273]
4Q545 Qq‘ Amram' ar) 4QVisions of Amram1 J.T.Milik. ‘qQVisions de ‘Amram’,
77-99; R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 151-156. K.
Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 85-92. [274J
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
507
4Q546 (4Q‘ Amram‘/ar) 4QVisions of Amram11 J.T. Milik, ‘4QVisionsde ‘Amram’,
77-99. R. Eisenman-M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 151-156. K.
Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 85-92.
4Q547 (4Q‘ Amram'1 ar) 4 Q Visions of Amram‘ R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead
Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 151-156. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband , 85-92. [274]
4Q548 (4Q* Amran/ar) 4QVisions of Amram f J. T. Milik, *4QVisons de ‘Amram’,
90. R. Eisenman-M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 151-156. K. Beyer,
Ergdnzungsband , 85-92. E. Puech, La croyance des Esseniens en la vie future
(Gabalda, Paris 1993), 537-540. [275]
4Q549 Work Mentioning Hur and Miriam R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead
Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 93-94. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband , 92-93. Aramaic work
which mentions Hur and Miriam. A good fragment with remains of two col-
umns and three smaller fragments. [275]
4Q5 50 4QProto-Esteiud J. T. Milik, ‘Les modeles arameens du livre d’Esther dans
la grotte 4 de Qumran’, in: E. Puech and F. Garcia Martinez (eds.), Memorial
Jean Starcky. Vol. 11 (Paris 1992) 321-406. Five copies of a narrative work
which might have been the source of the book of Esther. The sixth copy attrib-
uted by Milik to this composition seems to come from a different work, F.
Garcia Martinez, ‘Las fronteras de lo Biblico’, Scripta Theologica 23 (1991),
774; K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband , 133. [291-292]
4Q551 4QDanieTSuzanna (?) J.T. Milik, ‘Daniel et Susanne a Qumran?’, in: De
la Torah au Messie, 337-359. Minute fragments which the editor connects with
the story of Suzannah. [289-290]
4Q552 4QFour Kingdoms a R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead sea Scrolls Uncov-
ered, 71-73. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband , 108-109. An Aramaic apocalyptic work
about the four kingdoms. [138-139J
4Q553 4QFour Kingsdoms1, R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Un-
covered, 71-73. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband , 108-109. Another copy of the same
composition. [139]
4Q554 (4QNJ“ ar) 4 QNew Jerusalem11 J. Starcky, ‘Jerusalem et les manuscrits de
la mer Morte’, Le Monde de la Bible 1 ( 1977) 38-40. R. Eisenman and M. Wise,
The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered , 39-46. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband , 95-104.
Copy of the Aramaic work. Description of the New Jerusalem. [129-131]
4Q555 (4QNJ* ar) 4QN ew Jerusalem11 K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 95-104. Another
copy of the same work. [131]
4Q556-557 4QVisions Minute remains of three Aramaic compositions about
visions.
4Q5 58 4QVision K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 93-94. Aramic composition on papy-
rus, similar to the preceding compositions.
4Q559 4QBiblical Chronology J. Starcky, ‘Le travail d’edition’, 66. R. Eisenman
and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 92-93. Aramaic work written on
papyrus which includes a genealogy which extends to the Judges. [228-229]
5°8
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
* 4Q560 4Q Against Demons R. Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Un-
covered, 265-267. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 129-130. Remains of an Aramaic
composition which apparently contains incantations. [378]
* 4Q561 (4QHor ar) J. Starcky, ‘Les Quatre etapes du messianisme’, 503, n. 66. R.
Eisenman and M. Wise, The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, 263-265. K. Beyer,
Ergdnzungsband, 125-127. Copy in Aramaic of the horoscope 4Q186. [456-457]
o 4Q562-575 4QAramaic D-Z Unidentified fragments of remains of Aramaic
works.
cave 5 Biblical manuscripts
5Q1 (5QDeut) SQDeuteronomy J. T. Milik, djd iii, 169-171, pi. xxxvi. A frag-
ment with remains of two columns of Deuteronomy.
5Q2 (5QKgs) yQKings J.T.Milik, djd iii, 171-172, pi. xxxvi. Remains of lKgs
1.
5Q3 (5Qlsa) SQlsaiah J.T.Milik, djd iii, 173, pi. xxxvi. A fragment with re-
mains of Is 40.
5Q4 (5QAmos) gQAmos J.T.Milik, djd iii, 173-174, pi. xxxvi. A fragment with
remains of Amos 1.
5Q5 (5QPs )5QPsalms J.T.Milik, djd iii, 174, pi. xxxvii. Remains of Ps 119.
5Q6 (5QLam “) sQLamentationP J.T.Milik, djd iii, 174-177, pis. xxxvii-
xxxviii. Remains of a copy of Lamentations.
5Q7 (5QLam*) 5 QLamentationsh J. T. Milik, djd iii, 177-178, pi. xxxviii. A frag-
ment with remains of another copy of Lam 4.
5q8 (5QPhyl) gQphylactery J.T.Milik, djd iii, 178, pi. xxxviii. Phylactery in its
case. Not unrolled.
cave 5 Non-biblical manuscripts
o 5Q9 SQWork with Place Names J. T. Milik djd ill, 179-180, pi. xxxviii. Uniden-
tified work with toponyms.
o 5Q10 (5QpMal 1) sQMalachi Pesher J.T.Milik, djd iii, 180, pi. xxxviii, 288.
Identified as possibly a commentary on Malachi, by J. Carmignac, ‘Vestiges
d’un pesher de Malachie (?)’, RQ 4/13 (1963) 97-100. [203]
* 5Qii (5QS) SQRule of the Community J.T.Milik, djd iii, 180-181, pi. xxxviii,
110-124. Possibly a copy of the Rule of the Community, with remains of iqs
ii 4-7 and ii 12-14 (?)■ [32]
* 5Q12 (5qD) ^Damascus Document J.T.Milik, djd iii, 181, pi. xxxviii, 189-198.
Copy of the Damascus Document, with remains of CD ix 7-10. [70-71]
* 5Q13 SQRule J.T.Milik, djd ill, 181-183, pis. xxxix-xxxx, 210-211. Sectarian
rule (?), inspired by iqs and cd, which cites iqs iii 4-5 in fragment 4. [73]
* 5Q14 J.T.Milik, djd iii, 183-184, pi. xl, 322. Written text with
curses. [403]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
5°9
* 5Q' 5 (5QNJ ar) 5 QNew Jerusalem J. T. Milik, djd hi, 184-193. Remains of an
Aramaic work: ‘Description of the New Jerusalem’, which includes readings
from the copy of the same work from 4Q. [131-133]
o 5Q16-25 5 Qunclassified fragments Remains of unidentified works or of unclassi-
fied fragments, 360-367.
cave 6 Biblical manuscripts
6qi ( lQpaleoGen) 6oGenesis M.Baillet, djd hi, 105-106, pi. xx. A fragment
with remains of Gn 6.
6Q2 (6QpaleoLev) 6QLeviticus M. Baillet, djd iii, 106, pi. xx. A fragment in
palaeo-Hebrew, with remains of Lv 8.
6Q3 (6QDeut?) 6QDeuteronomy (?) M. Baillet, djd iii, 106-107, pi- xx. A frag-
ment with remains, possibly, of Dt 26.
6Q4 (6QKgs) 6QKmgs M.Baillet, djd iii, 107-112, pis. xx-xxii. Remains of a
copy of 1 and 2 Kgs.
6q6 (6QCant) 6oCanticles M.Baillet, djd iii, 112-114, pi- xxiii. A fragment with
remains of Cant 1 .
6Q7 (6QDan) 6()Damel M.Baillet, djd iii, 1 14-116, pi. xxiii. Remains of a copy
of Daniel.
cave 6 Non-biblical manuscripts
* 6q8 (6QEnGiants ar) 6oGiants M.Baillet, djd iii, 1 16-119, pi. xxiv. Published
as a ‘Genesis apocryphon’, it was identified by J. T. Milik, The Books of Enoch ,
300.309, as another copy of the Aramaic Book of Giants. [262]
* 6Q9 6QApocryphon on Samuel-Kings M. Baillet, djd iii, 119-123, pls.xxiv-xxv.
Apocryphon, related to Sm-Kgs in content. [284]
o 6qio 6QProphecy M.Baillet, djd iii, 123-125, pi. xxvi. Prophetic text (?).
* 6qii 6QAllegory of the Vine M.Baillet, djd iii, 125-126, pi. xxvi. ‘Allegory of
the vine’. [403]
o 6Q12 6QApocryphal Prophecy M.Baillet, djd iii, 126, pi. xxvi. ‘Apocryphal
prophecy’ which uses a calculation in jubilees,
o 6Q13 6QPriestly Prophecy M. Baillet, djd iii, 126-127, P'- xxvi. ‘Priestly proph-
ecy’ related to Ezra-Nehemiah (?).
o 6Q14 6QApocalypse M.Baillet, djd iii, 127-128, pi. xxvi. Aramaic ‘Apocalyptic
text’.
* 6Q15 (6qD) 6QDamascus Document M.Baillet, djd hi, 128-131, pi. xxvi. Copy
of the Damascus Document. With remains of CD iv 19-21; v 13-14; v 18-vi 2;
VI 20-vii 1, and a fragment with no equivalent in CD. [71]
* 6qi6 6QBenediction M.Baillet, djd iii, 131-132, pi. xxvn. Blessings. [437]
o 6Q17 6oCalendncal Document M.Baillet, djd iii, 132-133, pi. xxvn. Fragment
of a calendar.
5io
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
* 6qi8 6QHymn M. Baillet, djd ill, 133-136, pi. xxvii. Hymnic composition.
[404]
* 6Q19 6oGenesis (?) M. Baillet, djd hi,, 136, pi. xxvm. Text related to Gn (?).
[227]
* 6Q20 6QDeuteronomy (?) M. Baillet, djd iii, 136-137, pi. xxvm, 357. Text re-
lated to Dt (?). [228]
o 6Q21-22 4Qunclassified fragments M. Baillet, djd 111,137, pi. xxvm. Unidentified
texts.
o 6Q23 M. Baillet, djd iii, 138, pi. xxvm. Aramaic text; identified by J.T.Milik,
The Books of Enoch , 91 as a copy of 4Q(Words of) Michael (?).
o 6Q24-25 6Qunclassified fragments M. Baillet, djd iii, 138, pi. xxvm. Unidentified
texts.
o 6Q26 6Qfragments of accounts or contracts M. Baillet, djd iii, 138-139, pi. xxix.
Remains of accounts or of a contract in Aramaic,
o 6Q27-31 6()unclassified fragments M. Baillet, djd iii, 129-141, pi. xxix. Unidenti-
fied texts.
cave 7 Biblical manuscripts
7Q1 (7QLXxExod) yQSeptuagint Exodus M. Baillet, djd iii, 142-143, pi. xxx.
Remains of chap. 28 of Exodus, in Greek.
7Q2 (7QLXxEpJer ) 7 QEpistle of Jeremiah M. Baillet, djd iii, 143, pi. xxx. Re-
mains of the Letter of Jeremiah, vv. 43-44.
cave 7 Unidentified manuscripts
o 7Q3-19 7 Qunclassified fragments M. Baillet, djd iii, 143-144, pi. xxx. Unidenti-
fied Greek manuscripts. J. O’Callaghan, ‘;Papiros neotestamentarios en la cueva
7 deQumran?’, Biblica 53 (1972)91-100; .-‘^1 Tim 3,16; 4,13 en7Q4?’, Biblica
53 (1972) 362-367; .-Los papiros griegos de la cueva 7 de Qumrdn (BAC, Madrid
1974) has suggested identifying these remnants of papyrus as I Tim 3: 16; 4:1.3
(7Q4); Mk 6:52-53 (7Q5); Mk 4:28 (7Q6,i); Acts 27:38 (7(36:2); Mk 12:17 (7Q7)i
Jac 1:23-24 (7Q8); Rom 5:11-12 (7Q9);2Pet 1:15 (7Q10); Me 6:48 (7Q15). Other
scholars have suggested identifying them with other biblical texts [G. D. Fee,
JBL 92 (1973) 109-112: 7Q4 = Num 14:23-24; P. Garnet, EvQ 45 (1973) 8-9: 7(35
= Ex 36:10-11; C. H. Roberts, jts 23 (1972) 446, n.4: 7(35 = 2Kgs 5:13-14] or
with non-biblical texts [G. W.Nebe, rq 13 (1988) 629-632: 7(34 = Enoch 103:3-
4].
CAVE 8 Biblical manuscripts
8qi (8QGen) 8oGenesis M. Baillet, djd iii, 147-148, pi. xxxi. Two fragments
with remains of Gn 17-18.
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
511
8Q2 (8qPs) 8()Psalms M.Baillet, djd iii, 148-149, pi. xxxi. Remains of Pss 17-
18.
8Q3 (8QPhyl) 8QPhylactery M.Baillet, djd iii, 149-157, pis. xxxii-xxxm. Re-
mains of Ex 13:1-10; 13:11-16; Dt 6:4-9; 11:13; 6:1-3; 10:20-22; 10:12-19; Ex
12:43-51; Dt 5:1-14; Ex 20:11; Dt io:i3(?); 11:2; 10:21-22; 11:1.6-12.
8Q4 (8QMez) 8QMezuzah M.Baillet, djd iii, 158-161, pi. xxxiv. Remains of Dt
10:12-11:21.
cave 8 Non-biblical manuscripts
8Q5 8()Hymn M.Baillet, djd iii, 161-163, pi- xxxv. Hymnic text. [404]
cave 9
Only a small fragment of papyrus, unidentified, was found, M. Baillet, djd iii,
163, pi. xxxv.
cave 10
Only an ostracon was found, a fragment of a jar with traces of two leters of the
owner’s name, M.Baillet, djd iii, 164, pi. xxxv.
cave 11 Biblical manuscripts
1 1Q1 (nQpaleoLev") liQLeviticuP D. N. Freedman, ‘Variant Readings in the
Leviticus Scroll from Qumran Cave 11’, cbq 36 (1974) 525-534; E.Tov, ‘The
Textual Character of 1 lQpaleoLev’, Shnaton 3 ( 1978-79) 238-244 [Hebrew]; D.
N. Freedman and K. A. Mathews, The Paleo-Hebrew Leviticus Scroll
(nQpaleoLev) (Winona Lake 1985); F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 11’,
"The Dead Sea Scrolls: Forty Years of Research (stdj 11) (Leiden 1992). E.
Puech, ’Notes en marge de 1 lQPaleoLevique’, rb 96 (1989) 161-183. Copy °f
Leviticus in palaeo-Hebrew characters.
1 1Q2 (1 lQLevQ 1 1 QLeviticusd J. P. M. van der Ploeg, ‘Lev IX,23~X,2 dans un
texte de Qumran’, in: S. Wagner (ed.), Bibel und Qumran, 153-155; .-‘Les
manuscrits de la Grotte XI de Qumran’, rq 12/45 (1985) 10; F. Garcia
Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 1 1\ Two fragments with remains of another copy
of Leviticus.
11Q3 (nQDeut) 1 1 QDeuteronomy J. P. M. van der Ploeg, ‘Les manuscrits’, 10;
F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 1 1’. A fragment with remains of Dt 1.
11Q4 (iiqEz) tiQEzekiel W.H. Brownlee, ‘The Scroll of Ezekiel from theElev-
enth Qumran Cave’, RQ 14/13 (1963) 11-28, pis. 1-11.
11Q5 (1 iqPs") liQPsalms11 J. A. Sanders, The Psalms Scroll of Qumran Cave 11
512
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
( HqPs “) (Discoveries of the Judaean Desert of Jordan IV) Oxford 1965; Y.
Yadin, ‘Another Fragment (E) of the Psalms Scroll from Qumran Cave 11
(iiQPsa)\ Textus 5 (1966), 1-10, pis. i-v. Copy of Pss, in a different sequence
from mt, with other pseudepigraphical compositions. [304-310]
iq6 (1 iqPs4) 1 lQPsalms1' J.P.M. vander Ploeg, ‘Fragments d’unmanuscrit de
psaumes de Qumran (1 iqPs4)’, rb 74 (1967), 408-412, pi. xviii. Another copy
of the foregoing MS. With remains of the ‘Plea for Deliverance’ 1-15 and of Pss
141:10; 133:1-3; 144:1-2; 118:1.15-16. [310-311]
1Q7 (hqPs‘) iiQPsalmsc J.P.M. van der Ploeg, ‘Fragments d’un Psautier de
Qumran’, in: Symbolae biblicae et mesopotamicae F.M.T.de Liagre Bohl dedica-
tae (Brill, Leiden 1973) 308-309, pi. 1; .-‘Les manuscrits’, 13; F. Garcia Mar-
tinez, ‘Texts from Cave 11’. Remains of another copy of Pss.
iq8 (1 iqPs“ ) tiQPsalmsd J.P. M. van der Ploeg, ‘Les manuscrits’, 13; F. Garcia
Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 11’. Remains of another copy of Pss.
1Q9 (1 iqPsf) tiQPsalmse J.P.M. van der Ploeg, ‘Les manuscrits’, 13; F. Garcia
Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 11’. Two fragments with remains of Pss 36-37 and
86, possibly another copy of Pss, or part of 11Q7.
cave 1 1 Non-biblical manuscripts
1Q10 (nQtgJob) liQTargum of Job J. P. M. van der Ploeg and A. S. van der
Woude, Le targum de job de la grotte XI de Qumran (kna w-Brill, Leiden 1971).
B. Zuckerman, ‘A Fragment of an Unstudied Column of 1 lQtgJob: A Prelimi-
nary Report’, Newsletter The Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon 10 (1993), 1-7.
For the last column see E. Puech - F. Garcia, ‘Remarques sur la Colonne
xxxviii de 1 lQtgJob’, rq 9/35 (1978) 401-407. Aramaic Targum of Job. [143-
153]
1Q1 1 (1 lQApPs") 1 lQApocryphal Psalms11 J. P. M. van der Ploeg, ‘Le Psaume
xci dans une recension de Qumran’, rb 72 (1965) 210-217, pis. viii-ix; .-‘Un
petit rouleau de psaumes apocrvphes (iiQPsAp“)’, in: Tradition und Glaube,
128-139, pis. ii-vii; E. Puech, ‘Les deux derniers psaumes davidiques du rituel
d’exorcisme 1 1 QPsAp" iv, 4-V, 14’, in: Forty Years of Research m the Dead Sea
Scrolls. Psalms for expelling demons. The ms ends with Ps 91. [376-378]
1Q12 (liQjub) tiQjubilees A. S. van der Woude, ‘Fragmente des Buches
Jubilaen aus Qumran Hohle xi ( 1 lQjub)’, in: Tradition und Glaube , 140-146, pi.
viii; J. T. Milik, ‘A propos de liQjub’, Biblica 54 (1973) 77-78; F. Garcia
Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 11’. Copy of the Book of Jubilees. [241-242]
1Q13 (nQMelch) liQMechizedec A. S. van der Woude, ‘Melchisedek als
himmlische Erlosergestalt in den neugefundenen eschatologischen Midraschim
aus Qumran Hohle xi’, Oudtestamentische Studien 14 (1965) 354-373, pi. 1;
J. T. Milik, ‘Milki-resa", 96- 109. 124-126; E. Puech, ‘Notes dur le manuscrit de
liQMelkisedeQ’, rq 12/48 (1987) 483-513. Eschatological pesher, based on Lv
28, with the angelic form of Melchizedek as the protagonist. [139-140]
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS FROM QUMRAM
513
* 11Q14 (liQBer) liQBlessings A. S. van der Woude, ‘Ein neuer Segensspruch aus
Qumran (liQBer)’, en: Bibel und Qumran, 253-258, pl.i. J. Strugnell, rb 77
(1970), 268 denotes another copy of the same work from Cave 4 (4Q285); B.
Nitzan, ‘Benedictions and Instructions from Qumran for the Eschatological
Community (1 tQBer, 4Q285)’, RQ 16/61 (1993), 77-90. Collection of Blessings,
which come from a copy of the War Scroll. [124]
* 11Q15 (liQHymns") iiQffymnf J.P.M. vanderPloeg,‘Lesmanuscrits’, 11-12.
Collection of hymns. Only a small fragment has been preserved. [404]
o 11Q16 (liQFIymns*) liQHymnf J.P.M. van der Ploeg,‘Lesmanuscrits’, 11-12.
F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 11’. Another collection of hymns.
* 1 1Q17 (1 lQShirShabb) 1 1 QSongs of the Sabbath Sacrifice A. S. van der Woude,
‘Fragmente einer Rolle der Lieder fur das Sabbatopfer aus Hohle xi von
Qumran’, in: Von Kanaan bis Kerala (aoat 211) (Kevelaer-Neukirchen-Vluyn
1982) 311-332, pis. 1-6; C. Newsom, Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice , 361-387,
pis. xvii-xix; F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 11’. Copy of the work
‘Songs of the sabbath sacrifice’ which preserves the last part of the composi-
tion, with remains of the songs for the tenth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth
sabbaths. [430-431]
* 11Q18 (11QJN ar) liQNew Jerusalem B.Jongeling, ‘Publication provisoire d’un
fragment provenant de la grotte 11 de Qumran (nQjerNouv ar)’, jsj 1 (1970)
58-64; F. Garcia Martinez, ‘The Last Surviving Columns of 1 iqnj’, The Scrip-
tures and the Scrolls , 178-192, pi. 3-9. K. Beyer, Ergdnzungsband, 95-104. Copy
of an Aramaic work: ‘Description of the New Jerusalem’. [143-153]
* 11Q19 (liQTemple0) liQTemple ScrolT Y. Yadin, Megillat ham-miqdash - The
Temple Scroll , 3 vols. + Suppl. (Jerusalem 1977) (Flebrew edition; English edi-
tion with supplements, 1983). Complete edition of the ‘Temple Scroll’.
* 11Q20 (liQTemple*) liQTemple Scrolt Y. Yadin, Megillat ham-miqdash, vol. ill.
Supplementary Plates, 35-40; A. S. van der Woude, ‘Ein bisher unveroffent-
lichtes Fragment der Tempelrolle’, RQ 13 (1988), 89-92; M. O. Wise, ‘A New
Manuscript Joint in the “Festival of Wood Offering” (Temple Scroll xxin)’,
JNES47 (1988), 113-121. F. Garcia Martinez, ‘liQTemple*: A Preliminary Pub-
lication’, The Madrid Qumran Congress, 363-390, pi. 9-15. B. Z. Wacholder,
‘The Fragmentary Remains of liQTorah (Temple Scroll)’, huca 62 (1991), 1-
116. [179-184]
o 11Q21-25 1 1 Qunclassified fragments F. Garcia Martinez, ‘Texts from Cave 11’.
Remains of unidentified works.
Published by
E.J. Brill, Plantijnstraat 2, po Box 9000, 2300 pa Leiden, the Netherlands
E.J. Brill (usa) Inc, 24 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, ny 12106, usa
Cover Design: Roland van Helden
Typographical Design: Alje Olthof
This book was set in Ehrhardt typeface by Perfect Service, Schoonhoven,
the Netherlands and printed by the Sigma Press, Zoetermeer, the Netherlands
The paper in this book meets the guidelines for performance and durability of the
Committee on Production Guidelines for Book Longevity of the Council on Library
Resources
<
‘T he D eadfe/i Scrolls Translated is the most complete and authoritative English
translate' of the non-biblical Dead Sea Scrolls available. With this book, which
includ .any fascinating recently released texts, readers can find out what the
scr< really say. Garcia Martinez brings years of scrolls research and scholar-
sL 10 the translations and his wide grasp of the texts is evident throughout.’
Lawrence H. Schiffman
New York University
! jjm -Jg&t
‘Garcia Martinez deserves our gratitude for having compiled the most compre-
hensive one-volume edition of the Dead Sea Scrolls ever attempted. Drawing on
his vast knowledge of and firsthand acquaintance with all of the texts, he has
prepared a careful rendering into English of everything worth translating, inclu-
ding the full texts of the multiple copies of works such as the Community Rule
and the Damascus Document. Especially helpful is the fact that the line numbers
are specified in the text so that the reader knows exactly where the words are
found. The substantial introduction and the full list of Qumran manuscripts, with
up to date bibliographical references, enhance the value of the volume even
more.’
James C. VanderKam
University of Notre Dame
!
FloRENTINO GarcIa MARTINEZ is protessor at the University of Groningen,
the Netherlands, where he heads the Qumran Institute. He is a member of the
International Team of Editors of the Dead Sea Scrolls and editorial secretary of
the Revue de Qumran and the Journal for the Study of Judaism. He has written
numerous articles and books, including Qumran and Apocalyptic (Brill, Leiden
1992) and, together with Julio Trebolle, Los Homhres de Qumran (Trotta,
Madrid 1994).
ISBN 90 04 100482
Q
Kenneth Zuckerman. West Semitic Research. Courtesy Shrine of the Book.
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